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Divided We Fail Launches Next Phase of National Campaign to Fix America’s Health and Economic Crises

7,600 Nebraskans call for bipartisan action and end to gridlock

On Jan. 13, leaders of AARP Nebraskalaunched the next phase of Divided We Fail, a national movement to bring health and financial security to every American. Joining with the Business Roundtable, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU), AARP is hosting more than 50 events in nearly every state to educate and engage the public about issues of health reform and economic security. Divided We Fail will also present to lawmakers more than 1.6 million pledges signed by supporters from across the country, including signatures from nearly 7,600 Nebraskans.

“The last two years have been an important platform for the real work that begins today,” said AARP State Director Connie Benjamin. “We want Divided We Fail to be the catalyst for real health and economic reform. The president-elect and new Congress have hit the ground running this month, and we’re here to help with the support of over 221,000 Nebraska AARP members.”

Since its formation in 2007, Divided We Fail has organized nearly 1,000 local events including 500 “Community Conversations” to inform Americans about the options to address health care and financial security and gather new ideas from the public. Volunteers in their red Divided We Fail shirts became a fixture on the campaign trail, showing their support from the early primary states to Election Day.

In Nebraska, Divided We Fail is launching its 2009 mobilization and education with visits today and on Jan. 14 to the offices of U.S. Senators Nelson and Johanns and Reps. Fortenberry, Terry and Smith. The launch continues over the first Congressional recess where Divided We Fail will host town hall meetings to help constituents connect with their lawmakers and discuss how the health care and economic crises are affecting them.

“For 20 straight years, small businesses have said that healthcare costs are their number one issue, and things haven’t gotten any better,” said NFIB State Director Bob Hallstrom. “The Divided We Fail coalition will spur our nation’s political leaders to begin working together to address the threats to America’s healthcare system and our overall economic competitiveness.”

“Partisan gridlock won’t do anything to end the health and economic problems our country faces,” added Jane Fleming Kleeb , Nebraska spokesperson for the SEIU. “If our organizations—labor, consumers and business representing 53 million Americans – can join forces, so can our leaders in Washington. We’re just getting started and we’re ready to help.”

Divided We Fail’s supporters include more than 360 members of the 111^th Congress who have signed the pledge or written a letter of support. All five members from Nebraska are supporters of Divided We Fail. In addition to AARP, Business Roundtable, NFIB and SEIU, more than 100 independent groups have pledged their support. Nebraska organizations that have joined Divided We Fail are the Nebraska Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, Nebraska Nurses Association, Visiting Nurse Association of Omaha, Center for People in Need, Nebraska Appleseed Center, Alzheimer’s Association Great Plains Chapter, and the Nebraska Association of Area Agencies on Aging. To learn more and sign the pledge, visit DividedWeFail.org.

Divided We Fail

It's time we ensure health and long-term financial security for all. That's why AARP, Business Roundtable, the Service Employees International Union and the National Federation of Independent Business, are leading Divided We Fail, an initiative to give voice to millions of Americans who are tired of letting Washington gridlock stand in the way of affordable, quality health care and long-term financial security – the most pressing domestic issues faction our nation. Common sense solutions are needed, and everyone – individuals, businesses and government – has a role and a responsibility in ensuring health and financial security for all. Go to www.dividedwefail.org to learn more.

Added: January 15, 2009
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Hagel-Kerrey Forum on NET Television

Hagel-Kerrey Health Care Forum Will Air on

NET Television November 15-16

A candid conversation about the future of the nation’s health care with U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel and former U.S. Sen. Bob Kerrey will be broadcast statewide on NET Television, Nebraska’s PBS station. The town hall event was held on October 9 in Lincoln.

AARP is sponsoring the 90-minute program, which will air on channel NET2 on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. CT and repeat on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. CT. The dialogue is moderated by Rod Bates, NET General Manager.

The program can also be viewed on the web: http://www.netnebraska.org/publicmedia/ or www.prairiefirenewspaper.com

Added: November 13, 2008
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Free Lunch Investment Seminar Monitors Needed

Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance and AARP Team Up

to Offer Free Lunch Investment Seminar Monitor Program

With fraud and scams on the rise, older Nebraskans remain a primary target for unscrupulous promoters of investment schemes. The Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance is working with AARP in a new initiative designed to give individuals an opportunity to fight back by reporting questionable investment practices in their communities to the state securities regulator for investigation.

The Department ‘s participation in the Free Lunch Investment Monitor Program is part of a national campaign launched by AARP and the North American Securities Administrators Association to monitor whether investors are being pressured into purchasing inappropriate or unsuitable investments.

Investment seminars are legitimate sales practices. However, some seminars may involve fraudulent sales practices, fictitious products and misrepresentations of risk and return. Invitees are enticed to attend a seminar with a free meal after they sit through a sales pitch. If the hard sell does not come during the presentation, it can happen later with a follow-up phone call or an in-home visit.

Should an individual choose to attend a free lunch seminar, they can bring a checklist with them to help assure that both the products promoted at free investment seminars, as well as the promoters, conform to securities laws and regulations. Information from the checklists will be forwarded to individual state securities regulators for evaluation.

A recent year-long examination of free lunch seminars conducted by state securities regulators, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority found that while many free meal financial seminars were advertised as “educational,” or “workshops,” 100 percent of the “seminars” were instead sales presentations; 50 percent featured exaggerated or misleading advertising claims; and one-quarter involved possibly unsuitable recommendations to attendees.

“Instead of unbiased financial education and a meal, many free-meal seminar attendees are being fed a hard sales pitch for investment products that are often unsuitable,” said Jack Herstein, Assistant Director of the Banking Department’s Bureau of Securities. “We appreciate the opportunity to work closely with AARP and its membership to put unscrupulous salespeople on notice that the victimization of senior investors will not be tolerated.”

“AARP strongly encourages older Nebraskans to consider volunteering for the innovative Free Lunch Monitor Program,” said AARP Nebraska Director Connie Benjamin. “State regulators sit in on presentations as they are able, but with small staffs and a large number of seminars offered daily, their reach is limited. Volunteers perform a vital public service by alerting securities regulators and consumers to potential investment scams and fraud.”

For more information about the Free Lunch Monitor Program and to download the monitor checklist, please visit www.aarp.org/nofreelunch.

Added: November 10, 2008
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Omaha Volunteer Receives 2008 AARP Andrus Award

MARY JANE O’GARA RECEIVES

AARP ANDRUS AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

Mary Jane O’Gara of Omaha has been selected by AARP to receive Nebraska’s 2008 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, the association’s most prestigious and visible volunteer award for community service.

AARP Nebraska selected O’Gara for her impressive record of service and positive impact on the lives of others and on her community. Since first becoming active with AARP in 1992 as a VOTE volunteer district coordinator,O’Gara has advocated for solutions to the problems of aging in the Nebraska Legislature and in Washington, D.C. In 1996, she was appointed to serve as the first AARP Nebraska State President and as a member of the Midwest Region National Legislative Council.

From 2000-2006, she served on the AARP Board of Directors and testified on several occasions before Congress. In recognition of her efforts to build AARP’s presence across the state, she received the Builders Award from AARP Nebraska in 2006. Her other community endeavors have included serving on the Nebraska Women’s Health Advisory Council and as a board member with the League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha.

O’Gara is a former reporter for the Omaha World-Herald and enjoyed a long and distinguished career as assistant director for public relations for the Omaha Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a certificate in public relations.

Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.

Added: November 10, 2008
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Retired Nebraska Teacher Wins Excellence Award

RETIRED TEACHER BERNICE KOPETZKY HELPS THOUSANDS OF YOUNG READERS; WINS EXCELLENCE AWARD

FROM NRTA: AARP’s EDUCATOR COMMUNITY

Washington, DC – Nebraskan Bernice Kopetzky has been honored with an NRTA With Our Youth! Excellence Award by NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community at its Leadership Conference here.

Kopetzky, a resident of Falls City, created the Rescue Reading program which has helped thousands of students become better readers in the Sacred Heart School area in Southeastern Nebraska. She recruited and trained volunteers, mostly retired grandmothers. The volunteers tutored K-4 students on a one-on-one basis, using a structured 30 minute daily lesson plan. Volunteering four hours per day, five days per week, for the last ten years, she has met with the school supervisor to plan curriculum, organized materials used in the classroom, and assisted in recruiting, training and supervising volunteers.

Fondly called “Mrs. K,” she set up the program after a long career as a special education teacher. Rescue Reading targets students who did not qualify for additional help from other programs. Some students did not qualify because of their out-of-state residency status. Others, in spite of their poor reading performance, had test scores higher than the required level for special assistance from other programs. Classroom teachers observed those students’ attitudes toward reading change dramatically as a result of the tutoring sessions.

“Bernice Kopetzky is a model citizen. She shows the world how educators keep giving long after leaving the classroom. Multiple generations benefit and go on to contribute thanks to the dedication of volunteers like Bernice,” said Megan Hookey, Interim Vice President of NRTA.

With Our Youth! was formed in response to the 1997 Presidents’ Summit for America’s Future, at which the NRTA network made a three-year pledge to provide 45 million volunteer service hours with 1.5 million youth in 2,000 communities. Since 1999, it has reached more than 2.5 million youth in over 42 states.

The goal of the program is to provide youth with five key resources: an on-going relationship with a caring adult, a healthy start in life, safe places to grow and learn, a marketable skill through effective education and an opportunity to give back through community service.

A total of nine awards representing 7 states, were presented this year: one in the state category, four in the local category and three in the individual category.

About NRTA

Founded in 1947 by retired educator Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community is a division of AARP. NRTA members share a commitment to learning, voluntary service, and civic participation. NRTA is the largest national organization that represents the interests of 50+ educators, with a membership of more than one-million active and retired higher-ed and K-12 educators and school personnel at the local, state and national level. The NRTA Network includes a national office in Washington, DC, 53 state and city associations, and more than 2,700 local associations. NRTA members are dedicated to continuous educational opportunity, advocacy, and service as a means of safeguarding the economic security, work opportunities, and future well-being of all generations. Visit NRTA’s Website at www.aarp.org/nrta for more information.

About AARP

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, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 34 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to daily news source for AARP's 39 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; 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: October 21, 2008
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Medicare at the Movies Playing in October

‘Medicare at the Movies’ Playing in Omaha, Fremont and Bellevue

Presentations feature wise use of medicine

and 2009 Medicare changes

OMAHA--AARP Nebraska and the Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) are cosponsoring the second annual “Medicare at the Movies” for people on Medicare and caregivers at theaters in Omaha, Fremont and Bellevue. The free educational events run from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at all locations:

Oct. 21 – Bellevue

Twin Creek Cinema

3909 Raynor Pkwy.

Oct. 23 – Omaha

20 Grand Theatre

14303 W. Maple Rd.

Oct. 29 – Fremont

Main Street 7 Theatre

808 E. 23^rd

(inside the Fremont Mall)

Featured presentations include “Your Medicines and You” at 9:20 a.m. and “Understanding Medicare 2009” at 10:30 a.m. The sessions will cover the wise use of medications by consumers and explain important changes to Medicare in 2009.

Flu shots will be offered at the events, as well as refreshments and several informational booths. No registration is needed. For more information, call 402-398-9568 or 402-444-6617.

Added: October 17, 2008
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Oct. 9 Health Care Forum with Hagel and Kerrey in Lincoln

Sen. Chuck Hagel and Bob Kerrey Will

Tackle Health Care at October 9 Forum in Lincoln

Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Hagel and former Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Kerrey will make a rare joint appearance for a bipartisan conversation about the future of the nation’s health care on Thursday, Oct. 9 in Lincoln.

AARP, the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center and Prairie Fire Newspaper are sponsoring the free, public event from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Kimball Recital Hall, located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus at 11^th & R Sts.

During the dialogue “Ensuring Health and Financial Security for All: Can We Identify Reasonable Solutions to These American Challenges?, Hagel and Kerrey will explore the issues of quality, affordable health care for current and future generations along with responding to questions from the audience. Business owners, community leaders, academics, organized labor, medical and financial professionals, elected officials, retirees, students and the general public are urged to attend.

“Nebraskans have a unique opportunity to hear Sen. Hagel and former Sen. Kerrey speak candidly about the struggle to reform health care, and looking ahead, what must be done to ensure health care for all,” said AARP State Director Connie Benjamin. “By bringing them together, we seek to convene, promote and stimulate public discussion about these urgent concerns.”

Overflow seating and live video of the forum will be available in the Johnny Carson Theater at the Lied Center and in the Student Union Auditorium. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis at all locations.

Added: August 28, 2008
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Personal Document Shredding List

FIGHT ID THEFT! SHRED INSTEAD

Personal Document Shred List

Keep these items……………….…………This Long

Bank

Checking Statements…………………….…….7 years

Deposit slips (after bank verification)…...…Shred

Passbook……………………………………..…..7 years

Financial

Annuities…………………..……………………..4 years after account is closed

Disability Insurance…………………………….4 years after account is closed

Life Insurance……………………………………Permanent

Safety Deposit Box……………………….........4 yrs after box account closes

Household

Appraisal………………..…………..………...…Until house is sold

Deed/Title………………………….…………….Keep copy 4 years after selling

Homeowner’s Insurance……………..………..4 years after expiration

Property Taxes……………………………….….Until house is sold

Medical

Bills…………………………………………………4 years or till claim settles

Immunization Schedule………………………..Permanent

Allergy Information……………………………..Permanent

What to keep in your Safety Deposit Box

Birth Certificates Citizenship Papers

Marriage Certificates Adoption Papers

Divorce Decrees Wills

Death Certificates Deeds

Automobile Titles Household Inventory (including pictures)

Veteran’s Papers Stock & Bond Certificates

Important Contracts

Added: July 9, 2008
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Health Care Security Forum in North Platte July 25

AARP Hosts Community Conversation on Health Care Crisis in North Platte on July 25

North Platte – AARP is sponsoring a community conversation on the nation’s health care crisis with a panel of North Platte professionals on Friday, July 25. The free event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Express located on 300 Holiday Frontage Rd.

The event is open to all interested parties, but space is limited. Brunch will be provided. Please register by July 18 by calling Rachel at 1-866-389-5651 toll free or send email to rkohmetscher@aarp.org.

North Platte area business owners, community leaders, organized labor, medical and financial professionals, elected officials, retirees, students and the general public are urged to attend. The interactive panel discussion entitled “America’s Health Care Crisis: Can We Identify Reasonable Solutions?” will explore the issues of quality, affordable health care for our generation and future generations.

“Skyrocketing health care costs mean too many Nebraskans are one major illness away from financial ruin and too many businesses are struggling to stay competitive under rising benefit costs,” said AARP State Director Connie Benjamin.

“We want to help shape the debate on health care for the future. By bringing together organizations and individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, AARP is seeking to convene, promote and stimulate public discussion about these concerns,” she said.

The North Platte community conversation is part of the nationwide Divided We Fail effort led by AARP to engage the American people, elected officials and the business community to demand bipartisan action and answers on the nation's most compelling domestic issues – health and financial security for all generations.

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, www.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.

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Added: July 9, 2008
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AARP in North Platte July 25-26

AARP Coming to North Platte July 25-26

Community blitz to celebrate AARP’s 50^th anniversary, fight identity theft & mobilize public on health and financial security issues

NORTH PLATTE—AARP will host a “Community Blitz” in North Platte on July 25-26 to celebrate its 50^th anniversary, focus public attention on the critical issues of health and financial security, present the popular Staying Sharp program on brain health and fight identity theft with a shredding event. All events below are free and open to the public.

Friday, July 25

Community Conversation on Health Care Security

9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Holiday Inn Express

300 Holiday Frontage Road

The AARP blitz will kick off with a Community Conversation on Health Care Security with a panel of North Platte professionals. The event will explore the issues of quality, affordable health care for our generation and future generations. Brunch provided; space is limited. RSVP by July 18 to Rachel at 1-866-389-5651 toll free or rkohmetscher@aarp.org.

Staying Sharp & Divided We Fail

1 - 2:30 p.m.

Cedar Bowl

100 South Jeffers Street

AARP will host the Staying Sharp presentation on brain health with information about what people can do to keep their brains sharp, no matter what their age. Staying Sharp is a joint project of NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community and the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives and is supported by a generous grant from MetLife Foundation. Space is limited. Call toll-free 1-877-926-8300 by July 18 to register for this special program.

This session will be followed with a discussion of Divided We Fail, AARP’s nonpartisan effort to press candidates and elected officials to make affordable, quality health care and lifetime financial security the top domestic issues in this year’s national political debate.

AARP Turns 50!

2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Cedar Bowl

100 South Jeffers St.

Celebrate AARP’s 50^th Anniversary with free bowling and birthday cake while it lasts! Bowling shoes are included. No RSVP needed.

Saturday, July 26

Community Shredding Event

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Platte River Mall

100 South Dewey

For the second year, AARP Nebraska is sponsoring ashredding event in North Platte to help consumers prevent identity theft.The public can drive through and safely drop off personal documents at the on-site mobile shredder located in the mall parking lot on Dewey St. Unloading assistance will be provided. A limit of two boxes or bags of paper per person applies. Cosponsors include Shred-It, the Platte River Mall and the Lincoln County AARP Chapter.

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. 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.

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Added: July 9, 2008
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My Journals (54)