Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.head.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }'include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.head.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_global_js.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }'include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 53 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }'include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }'include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.
After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.
So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as AARP Florida’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.
“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”
During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.
“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”
Making a Difference
It already is paying off. Among the big wins at the Legislature this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.
Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.
AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.
Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.
“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.
Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.
People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”
To learn more about volunteering, go to aarp.org/FLvolunteer
Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.
More on Volunteering:
This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the AARP Florida page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET
Zoom
Online Event
Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Online Event
Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET
Zoom
Online Event
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1]Code Context$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = falseinclude - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1]Code Context$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = falseinclude - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/blue-ridge-ga/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Blue Ridge, GA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/blue-ridge-ga/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/blue-ridge-ga/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Blue Ridge, GA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/blue-ridge-ga/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/blue-ridge-ga/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Blue Ridge, GA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/blue-ridge-ga/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/blue-ridge-ga/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Blue Ridge, GA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/blue-ridge-ga/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/blue-ridge-ga/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Blue Ridge, GA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/blue-ridge-ga/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/30/23 by <b>Ann Hardie</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.<br><br>After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old from Boca Raton volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I enjoyed what I saw in AARP,” he says.<br><br>So today, Thomas works on everything from fraud prevention to driver safety to advocacy. He’s in his second round as <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">AARP Florida</a></span></span>’s volunteer state president, a position that keeps him busy at least 10 hours per week, often more.<br><br>“I’m investing my time to help my community be better,” he says. “AARP has a large megaphone.”<br><br>During the 2023 legislative session, Thomas was among the volunteers sporting red AARP polos, scarves and ties, meeting with lawmakers and testifying at committee hearings on AARP’s legislative priorities. He got to work on his personal passions: keeping utility rates affordable and advocating for money for home- and community-based services.<br><br>“This is the first year we’ve had a steady presence of volunteers in Tallahassee,” says Zayne Smith, AARP Florida’s director of advocacy. “Keeping this as a sustained part of the advocacy work that we do will pay dividends in the future.”<br><br><b>Making a Difference</b><br><br>It already is paying off. Among the <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/aarp-florida-highlights-legislative-wins" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">big wins at the Legislature</a></span></span> this year: funding for affordable housing to help low-income older Floridians age in place. Legislators also passed a bill to stiffen penalties for criminals who financially exploit older Floridians. And they moved to allow some certified nursing assistants to be trained as medication aides who can administer prescription drugs, freeing up nurses to do more nursing care.<br><br>Smith says volunteers like Thomas are vital to AARP Florida’s mission. And research shows that volunteering is good medicine; it may help boost a person’s mental and physical health and create new social connections.<br><br>AARP volunteer Sue Lehrer says her motivation came from her father. “I was raised that if you are going to complain about something, you’d better have a solution,” says the 69-year-old Sarasota resident.<br><br>Lehrer, who has a doctorate in health policy planning, spent much of her career advocating on behalf of older adults and people with disabilities. She also has personal experience with some of AARP’s top issues. She became a caregiver at age 9 when her dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. About three decades later, her husband, an internist, died from a rare disease at 39 when their boys were about 5 and 10.<br><br>“Because of what I had been through with my dad, I could handle it, as painful as it was,” she says.<br><br>Before moving to Sarasota in 2020, she spent seven years volunteering with AARP Texas. Now mostly retired, she does the same with AARP Florida. Lehrer is particularly passionate about working to improve nursing home care and guardianship laws. You don’t have to have a background in advocacy to make a difference, she says.<br><br>People who don’t like public speaking can fill out a petition or deliver information packets, she says. “It’s just so rewarding to try to move the ball down the field.”<br><br>To learn more about volunteering, go to <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/looking-for-a-volunteer-gig-check-us-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/FLvolunteer</a></span></span><br><br><i>Ann Hardie is a writer living in Atlanta.</i><br><br><b>More on Volunteering:</b><br></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/success-stories/louvenia-williams-dsr-story/?intcmp=FDN-LOUVENIA-WILLIAMS-STORY-PAGE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Retired Teacher Steps Confidently Into the Digital Age</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/volunteer-ideas/giving-back-can-transform-lives.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Volunteering Changed My Life </a></span></span></li></ul><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="4687848433001" data-video-title="What is AARP? - AARP" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=4687848433001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">What is AARP? - AARP</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Florida. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/florida/" target="_blank">AARP Florida</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-71224-fknzjhvynkz.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Jul 12, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b433aef-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b433aef-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c56b43551f-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c56b43551f-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BLUERIDGE-GA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Georgia Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Georgia</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:GAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GAAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/georgia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Georgia</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/its-easy-to-contact-aarp-georgia/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BLUERIDGE-GA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPGeorgia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpGA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Ken Thomas joined AARP Florida in 2005 for the benefits. But it’s AARP that has come out ahead.After retiring from his job in aviation, the 69-year-old" name="description"/> <meta content="Florida, Volunteers, Reap, Rewards, of, Engagement" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/florida/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/florida-volunteers-reap-rewards-of-engagement-fl-2023-06-30.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Florida Volunteers Reap Rewards of Engagement"/> <meta property="og:description" content="After retiring from his job in aviation, Ken Thomas, 69, volunteered to help at an AARP convention in Florida. “They liked what they saw in me, and I"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a35cb68/2147483647/strip/true/crop/847x545+0+11/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F83%2Ff6%2Fda8a726ac2bbe934e647741dcd78%2Fvolunteer-valdisalvio-499999.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/blue-ridge-ga/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Blue Ridge, GA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/blue-ridge-ga/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/blue-ridge-ga/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/blue-ridge-ga/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118