Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus
Posted on 03/09/25
As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit op-ed guest columns on issues pending before the West Virginia Legislature. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author's own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AARP.
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Guest Column by Senate President Randy E. Smith
West Virginia State Senate
March 7, 2025
As our West Virginia State Senate President – and a senior citizen myself – I’m aware of the concerns that face our residents as they get older. I am deeply committed to ensuring that West Virginia remains a place where our senior citizens can thrive. Our generation has spent our lives working hard, raising families, building our communities, and strengthening the backbone of our state.
Will Price/WV Legislature
That’s why it’s important to continue to promote good, commonsense legislation that helps meet the needs of our seniors. I’ve heard from hundreds of you — at town halls, at the grocery store, or even through messages on Facebook — about the challenges you face: rising health care costs, inflation costing you more at the grocery store, and the need for better, more reliable high-speed internet to keep you connected.
These problems deserve real solutions, and that’s what we’re trying to deliver this session in Charleston. In addition to the work that our Finance Committees are doing on this year’s Budget Bill, there are many other pieces of legislation moving through the system with seniors in mind.
As a member who represents one of the most rural districts in the state, one of my top priorities is protecting and expanding access to quality health care. It’s critical to keep our ADW Waiver in our budget funded so that our residents can get care at home, where they are happiest. Not only is it the best option for families, it’s in most cases a more cost-effective option.
To go along with that, we’re also exploring ways to bolster caregiving support through a tax credit specifically designed for family caregivers. Although our state is facing a potentially difficult budget year, we recognize the dedication and hard work that family caregivers provide, and we want to support those efforts.
Keeping our seniors safe at home is critical, which is why the Legislature is looking at a number of bills that target scammers who look to exploit our seniors. We want to make sure there are guardrails in place to help prevent a scammer from being able to take a person’s life savings with a robocall. Scammers are getting smarter, and artificial intelligence is helping them. We need to stay a step ahead.
Finally, we’re working on issues that hurt those on a fixed income the hardest – especially rising utility bills and food costs. We realize that now more than ever, many grandparents are stepping into the role of raising their grandchildren and need a little help with the grocery bills, and we want to help as best we can.
I know we’ve got a long road ahead, but I will keep listening and fighting for all of us. Together, we can work to build a West Virginia that not only keeps your children and grandchildren here, but keeps you healthy and active enough to enjoy those years.
As always, my door is open. If you’ve got ideas, concerns, or just want to let me know what’s on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call my office at 304-357-7801, or drop by when you’re in the area. The work I do in Charleston is about you, and I’m honored to serve you every day.
This story is provided by AARP West Virginia. Visit the AARP West Virginia page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-massachusetts-ma-2021-02-05.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'boston-ma', 'instagram_link' => 'aarpmassachusetts', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Massachusetts.pdf', 'full_state' => 'Massachusetts', 'county' => 'Hampden', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -72.585098266602, (int) 1 => (float) 42.102600097656 ), 'latitude' => (float) 42.102600097656, 'longitude' => (float) -72.585098266602, 'city_state' => 'Springfield, MA', 'city_state_search' => 'Springfield MA,Spfld MA,SPFLD (LONG) MA,Springfeild MA', 'pilot_name' => 'Springfield', 'pilot_sef_url' => '', 'community_id' => (int) 0, 'community_name' => null, 'community_state' => null, 'community_region' => null, 'brightspot_region' => null, 'title' => 'Springfield, MA', 'subtitle' => '', 'tracking_code_town' => 'SPRINGFIELD', 'tracking_code_state' => 'MA', 'ad_state' => 'ma', 'ad_city' => 'springfield', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '01101', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/springfield-ma/', 'alt_names' => 'Springfield,Spfld,SPFLD (LONG),Springfeild', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '01101', (int) 1 => '01102', (int) 2 => '01103', (int) 3 => '01104', (int) 4 => '01105', (int) 5 => '01106', (int) 6 => '01107', (int) 7 => '01108', (int) 8 => '01109', (int) 9 => '01111', (int) 10 => '01115', (int) 11 => '01118', (int) 12 => '01119', (int) 13 => '01128', (int) 14 => '01129', (int) 15 => '01133', (int) 16 => '01138', (int) 17 => '01139', (int) 18 => '01144', (int) 19 => '01151', (int) 20 => '01152', (int) 21 => '01195', (int) 22 => '01199' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'spfld-ma', (int) 2 => 'spfld-long-ma', (int) 3 => 'springfeild-ma', (int) 4 => 'brightwood-ma', (int) 5 => 'mass-mutual-life-ins-co-ma', (int) 6 => 'bay-state-w-tower-ma', (int) 7 => 'indian-orch-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'baystate-medical-ma', (int) 10 => 'longmeadow-ma' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '266', (int) 1 => '267', (int) 2 => '268', (int) 3 => '269', (int) 4 => '270', (int) 5 => '272', (int) 6 => '273', (int) 7 => '274', (int) 8 => '275', (int) 9 => '276', (int) 10 => '278', (int) 11 => '279', (int) 12 => '280', (int) 13 => '281', (int) 14 => '282', (int) 15 => '283', (int) 16 => '284', (int) 17 => '285', (int) 18 => '287', (int) 19 => '288', (int) 20 => '289', (int) 21 => '290', (int) 22 => '46323' ) ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
AARP Events for Springfield
AARP Events for Springfield
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AARP Smart Driver™: West Hartford Senior Center
Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET
West Hartford Senior Center
West Hartford, CT
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AARP Smart Driver™: Ellington Senior Center
Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET
Ellington Senior Center
Ellington, CT
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AARP Smart Driver™: Charles N. Enes Community Center
Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Charles N. Enes Community Center
South Windsor, CT
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Massachusetts
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?><?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (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">Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 03/09/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit op-ed guest columns on issues pending before the West Virginia Legislature. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author's own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AARP.</i></b><br><br><br>———————————————————————-<br><br><br><br><b>Guest Column by Senate President Randy E. Smith</b><br><b>West Virginia State Senate</b><br><b>March 7, 2025</b><br><br><br>As our West Virginia State Senate President – and a senior citizen myself – I’m aware of the concerns that face our residents as they get older. I am deeply committed to ensuring that West Virginia remains a place where our senior citizens can thrive. Our generation has spent our lives working hard, raising families, building our communities, and strengthening the backbone of our state.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2d/27/17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a/d9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg" alt="D9_187_8048735_581038847_2.jpg" width="400" height="266" style="height: auto; max-width: 280px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">WV Senate President Randy E. Smith</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Will Price/WV Legislature</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>That’s why it’s important to continue to promote good, commonsense legislation that helps meet the needs of our seniors. I’ve heard from hundreds of you — at town halls, at the grocery store, or even through messages on Facebook — about the challenges you face: rising health care costs, inflation costing you more at the grocery store, and the need for better, more reliable high-speed internet to keep you connected.<br><br>These problems deserve real solutions, and that’s what we’re trying to deliver this session in Charleston. In addition to the work that our Finance Committees are doing on this year’s Budget Bill, there are many other pieces of legislation moving through the system with seniors in mind.<br><br>As a member who represents one of the most rural districts in the state, one of my top priorities is protecting and expanding access to quality health care. It’s critical to keep our ADW Waiver in our budget funded so that our residents can get care at home, where they are happiest. Not only is it the best option for families, it’s in most cases a more cost-effective option.<br><br>To go along with that, we’re also exploring ways to bolster caregiving support through a tax credit specifically designed for family caregivers. Although our state is facing a potentially difficult budget year, we recognize the dedication and hard work that family caregivers provide, and we want to support those efforts.<br><br>Keeping our seniors safe at home is critical, which is why the Legislature is looking at a number of bills that target scammers who look to exploit our seniors. We want to make sure there are guardrails in place to help prevent a scammer from being able to take a person’s life savings with a robocall. Scammers are getting smarter, and artificial intelligence is helping them. We need to stay a step ahead.<br><br>Finally, we’re working on issues that hurt those on a fixed income the hardest – especially rising utility bills and food costs. We realize that now more than ever, many grandparents are stepping into the role of raising their grandchildren and need a little help with the grocery bills, and we want to help as best we can.<br><br>I know we’ve got a long road ahead, but I will keep listening and fighting for all of us. Together, we can work to build a West Virginia that not only keeps your children and grandchildren here, but keeps you healthy and active enough to enjoy those years.<br><br>As always, my door is open. If you’ve got ideas, concerns, or just want to let me know what’s on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call my office at 304-357-7801, or drop by when you’re in the area. The work I do in Charleston is about you, and I’m honored to serve you every day.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP West Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank">AARP West Virginia</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://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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="/springfield-ma/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"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680edd02103be-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180250c4e268f7f8b6f1b', 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'W Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'w-springfield-ma' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'West Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'west-springfield-ma' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'East Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'east-longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Agawam', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'agawam-ma' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Chicopee', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'chicopee-ma' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Feeding Hills', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'feeding-hills-ma' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Indian Orchard', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'indian-orchard-ma' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Ludlow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'ludlow-ma' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Holyoke', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'holyoke-ma' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Westfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'westfield-ma' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Wilbraham', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'wilbraham-ma' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Suffield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'suffield-ct' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Enfield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'enfield-ct' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'w-springfield-ma', (int) 2 => 'longmeadow-ma', (int) 3 => 'west-springfield-ma', (int) 4 => 'east-longmeadow-ma', (int) 5 => 'agawam-ma', (int) 6 => 'chicopee-ma', (int) 7 => 'feeding-hills-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'ludlow-ma', (int) 10 => 'holyoke-ma', (int) 11 => 'westfield-ma', (int) 12 => 'wilbraham-ma', (int) 13 => 'suffield-ct', (int) 14 => 'enfield-ct', (int) 15 => 'hampden-ma', (int) 16 => 'somersville-ct', (int) 17 => 'west-suffield-ct', (int) 18 => 'southwick-ma', (int) 19 => 'somers-ct', (int) 20 => 'south-hadley-ma', (int) 21 => 'granby-ma', (int) 22 => 'southampton-ma', (int) 23 => 'three-rivers-ma', (int) 24 => 'easthampton-ma', (int) 25 => 'windsor-locks-ct' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'all', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state}', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-suburban', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => 'News from AARP', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'noindex, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => '{local_city_hl}-{local_state_l}-state', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Massachusetts', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Springfield', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/MA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGMA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Massachusetts', 'contactus_email' => 'MA@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/AARPMA', 'state_contract_id' => '56008', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/massachusetts.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5819664288001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-masachusetts-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ma-2020-08-18.html', 'State_Label' => 'Massachusetts'', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-massachusetts-ma-2021-02-05.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'boston-ma', 'instagram_link' => 'aarpmassachusetts', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Massachusetts.pdf', 'full_state' => 'Massachusetts', 'county' => 'Hampden', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -72.585098266602, (int) 1 => (float) 42.102600097656 ), 'latitude' => (float) 42.102600097656, 'longitude' => (float) -72.585098266602, 'city_state' => 'Springfield, MA', 'city_state_search' => 'Springfield MA,Spfld MA,SPFLD (LONG) MA,Springfeild MA', 'pilot_name' => 'Springfield', 'pilot_sef_url' => '', 'community_id' => (int) 0, 'community_name' => null, 'community_state' => null, 'community_region' => null, 'brightspot_region' => null, 'title' => 'Springfield, MA', 'subtitle' => '', 'tracking_code_town' => 'SPRINGFIELD', 'tracking_code_state' => 'MA', 'ad_state' => 'ma', 'ad_city' => 'springfield', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '01101', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/springfield-ma/', 'alt_names' => 'Springfield,Spfld,SPFLD (LONG),Springfeild', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '01101', (int) 1 => '01102', (int) 2 => '01103', (int) 3 => '01104', (int) 4 => '01105', (int) 5 => '01106', (int) 6 => '01107', (int) 7 => '01108', (int) 8 => '01109', (int) 9 => '01111', (int) 10 => '01115', (int) 11 => '01118', (int) 12 => '01119', (int) 13 => '01128', (int) 14 => '01129', (int) 15 => '01133', (int) 16 => '01138', (int) 17 => '01139', (int) 18 => '01144', (int) 19 => '01151', (int) 20 => '01152', (int) 21 => '01195', (int) 22 => '01199' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'spfld-ma', (int) 2 => 'spfld-long-ma', (int) 3 => 'springfeild-ma', (int) 4 => 'brightwood-ma', (int) 5 => 'mass-mutual-life-ins-co-ma', (int) 6 => 'bay-state-w-tower-ma', (int) 7 => 'indian-orch-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'baystate-medical-ma', (int) 10 => 'longmeadow-ma' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '266', (int) 1 => '267', (int) 2 => '268', (int) 3 => '269', (int) 4 => '270', (int) 5 => '272', (int) 6 => '273', (int) 7 => '274', (int) 8 => '275', (int) 9 => '276', (int) 10 => '278', (int) 11 => '279', (int) 12 => '280', (int) 13 => '281', (int) 14 => '282', (int) 15 => '283', (int) 16 => '284', (int) 17 => '285', (int) 18 => '287', (int) 19 => '288', (int) 20 => '289', (int) 21 => '290', (int) 22 => '46323' ) ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 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 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/springfield-ma/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">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-hartford-ct-c35277.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-HARTFORD-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Hartford Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Hartford Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Hartford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-ellington-ct-c35487.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-ELLINGTON-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Ellington Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Ellington Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Ellington, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-south-windsor-ct-c35400.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CHARLES-N-ENES-COMMUNITY-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Charles N. Enes Community Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Charles N. Enes Community Center</p> <p class="loc">South Windsor, CT</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/springfield-ma/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> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <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">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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; 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} .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :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">Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 03/09/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit op-ed guest columns on issues pending before the West Virginia Legislature. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author's own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AARP.</i></b><br><br><br>———————————————————————-<br><br><br><br><b>Guest Column by Senate President Randy E. Smith</b><br><b>West Virginia State Senate</b><br><b>March 7, 2025</b><br><br><br>As our West Virginia State Senate President – and a senior citizen myself – I’m aware of the concerns that face our residents as they get older. I am deeply committed to ensuring that West Virginia remains a place where our senior citizens can thrive. Our generation has spent our lives working hard, raising families, building our communities, and strengthening the backbone of our state.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2d/27/17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a/d9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg" alt="D9_187_8048735_581038847_2.jpg" width="400" height="266" style="height: auto; max-width: 280px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">WV Senate President Randy E. Smith</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Will Price/WV Legislature</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>That’s why it’s important to continue to promote good, commonsense legislation that helps meet the needs of our seniors. I’ve heard from hundreds of you — at town halls, at the grocery store, or even through messages on Facebook — about the challenges you face: rising health care costs, inflation costing you more at the grocery store, and the need for better, more reliable high-speed internet to keep you connected.<br><br>These problems deserve real solutions, and that’s what we’re trying to deliver this session in Charleston. In addition to the work that our Finance Committees are doing on this year’s Budget Bill, there are many other pieces of legislation moving through the system with seniors in mind.<br><br>As a member who represents one of the most rural districts in the state, one of my top priorities is protecting and expanding access to quality health care. It’s critical to keep our ADW Waiver in our budget funded so that our residents can get care at home, where they are happiest. Not only is it the best option for families, it’s in most cases a more cost-effective option.<br><br>To go along with that, we’re also exploring ways to bolster caregiving support through a tax credit specifically designed for family caregivers. Although our state is facing a potentially difficult budget year, we recognize the dedication and hard work that family caregivers provide, and we want to support those efforts.<br><br>Keeping our seniors safe at home is critical, which is why the Legislature is looking at a number of bills that target scammers who look to exploit our seniors. We want to make sure there are guardrails in place to help prevent a scammer from being able to take a person’s life savings with a robocall. Scammers are getting smarter, and artificial intelligence is helping them. We need to stay a step ahead.<br><br>Finally, we’re working on issues that hurt those on a fixed income the hardest – especially rising utility bills and food costs. We realize that now more than ever, many grandparents are stepping into the role of raising their grandchildren and need a little help with the grocery bills, and we want to help as best we can.<br><br>I know we’ve got a long road ahead, but I will keep listening and fighting for all of us. Together, we can work to build a West Virginia that not only keeps your children and grandchildren here, but keeps you healthy and active enough to enjoy those years.<br><br>As always, my door is open. If you’ve got ideas, concerns, or just want to let me know what’s on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call my office at 304-357-7801, or drop by when you’re in the area. The work I do in Charleston is about you, and I’m honored to serve you every day.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP West Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank">AARP West Virginia</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://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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="/springfield-ma/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"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680edd02103be-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180250c4e268f7f8b6f1b', 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'W Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'w-springfield-ma' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'West Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'west-springfield-ma' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'East Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'east-longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Agawam', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'agawam-ma' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Chicopee', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'chicopee-ma' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Feeding Hills', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'feeding-hills-ma' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Indian Orchard', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'indian-orchard-ma' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Ludlow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'ludlow-ma' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Holyoke', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'holyoke-ma' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Westfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'westfield-ma' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Wilbraham', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'wilbraham-ma' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Suffield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'suffield-ct' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Enfield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'enfield-ct' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'w-springfield-ma', (int) 2 => 'longmeadow-ma', (int) 3 => 'west-springfield-ma', (int) 4 => 'east-longmeadow-ma', (int) 5 => 'agawam-ma', (int) 6 => 'chicopee-ma', (int) 7 => 'feeding-hills-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'ludlow-ma', (int) 10 => 'holyoke-ma', (int) 11 => 'westfield-ma', (int) 12 => 'wilbraham-ma', (int) 13 => 'suffield-ct', (int) 14 => 'enfield-ct', (int) 15 => 'hampden-ma', (int) 16 => 'somersville-ct', (int) 17 => 'west-suffield-ct', (int) 18 => 'southwick-ma', (int) 19 => 'somers-ct', (int) 20 => 'south-hadley-ma', (int) 21 => 'granby-ma', (int) 22 => 'southampton-ma', (int) 23 => 'three-rivers-ma', (int) 24 => 'easthampton-ma', (int) 25 => 'windsor-locks-ct' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'all', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state}', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-suburban', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => 'News from AARP', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'noindex, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => '{local_city_hl}-{local_state_l}-state', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Massachusetts', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Springfield', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/MA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGMA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Massachusetts', 'contactus_email' => 'MA@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/AARPMA', 'state_contract_id' => '56008', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/massachusetts.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5819664288001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-masachusetts-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ma-2020-08-18.html', 'State_Label' => 'Massachusetts'', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-massachusetts-ma-2021-02-05.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'boston-ma', 'instagram_link' => 'aarpmassachusetts', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Massachusetts.pdf', 'full_state' => 'Massachusetts', 'county' => 'Hampden', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -72.585098266602, (int) 1 => (float) 42.102600097656 ), 'latitude' => (float) 42.102600097656, 'longitude' => (float) -72.585098266602, 'city_state' => 'Springfield, MA', 'city_state_search' => 'Springfield MA,Spfld MA,SPFLD (LONG) MA,Springfeild MA', 'pilot_name' => 'Springfield', 'pilot_sef_url' => '', 'community_id' => (int) 0, 'community_name' => null, 'community_state' => null, 'community_region' => null, 'brightspot_region' => null, 'title' => 'Springfield, MA', 'subtitle' => '', 'tracking_code_town' => 'SPRINGFIELD', 'tracking_code_state' => 'MA', 'ad_state' => 'ma', 'ad_city' => 'springfield', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '01101', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/springfield-ma/', 'alt_names' => 'Springfield,Spfld,SPFLD (LONG),Springfeild', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '01101', (int) 1 => '01102', (int) 2 => '01103', (int) 3 => '01104', (int) 4 => '01105', (int) 5 => '01106', (int) 6 => '01107', (int) 7 => '01108', (int) 8 => '01109', (int) 9 => '01111', (int) 10 => '01115', (int) 11 => '01118', (int) 12 => '01119', (int) 13 => '01128', (int) 14 => '01129', (int) 15 => '01133', (int) 16 => '01138', (int) 17 => '01139', (int) 18 => '01144', (int) 19 => '01151', (int) 20 => '01152', (int) 21 => '01195', (int) 22 => '01199' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'spfld-ma', (int) 2 => 'spfld-long-ma', (int) 3 => 'springfeild-ma', (int) 4 => 'brightwood-ma', (int) 5 => 'mass-mutual-life-ins-co-ma', (int) 6 => 'bay-state-w-tower-ma', (int) 7 => 'indian-orch-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'baystate-medical-ma', (int) 10 => 'longmeadow-ma' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '266', (int) 1 => '267', (int) 2 => '268', (int) 3 => '269', (int) 4 => '270', (int) 5 => '272', (int) 6 => '273', (int) 7 => '274', (int) 8 => '275', (int) 9 => '276', (int) 10 => '278', (int) 11 => '279', (int) 12 => '280', (int) 13 => '281', (int) 14 => '282', (int) 15 => '283', (int) 16 => '284', (int) 17 => '285', (int) 18 => '287', (int) 19 => '288', (int) 20 => '289', (int) 21 => '290', (int) 22 => '46323' ) ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 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 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/springfield-ma/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">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-hartford-ct-c35277.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-HARTFORD-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Hartford Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Hartford Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Hartford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-ellington-ct-c35487.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-ELLINGTON-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Ellington Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Ellington Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Ellington, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-south-windsor-ct-c35400.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CHARLES-N-ENES-COMMUNITY-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Charles N. Enes Community Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Charles N. Enes Community Center</p> <p class="loc">South Windsor, CT</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/springfield-ma/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> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <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">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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; 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"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">Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 03/09/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit op-ed guest columns on issues pending before the West Virginia Legislature. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author's own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AARP.</i></b><br><br><br>———————————————————————-<br><br><br><br><b>Guest Column by Senate President Randy E. Smith</b><br><b>West Virginia State Senate</b><br><b>March 7, 2025</b><br><br><br>As our West Virginia State Senate President – and a senior citizen myself – I’m aware of the concerns that face our residents as they get older. I am deeply committed to ensuring that West Virginia remains a place where our senior citizens can thrive. Our generation has spent our lives working hard, raising families, building our communities, and strengthening the backbone of our state.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2d/27/17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a/d9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg" alt="D9_187_8048735_581038847_2.jpg" width="400" height="266" style="height: auto; max-width: 280px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">WV Senate President Randy E. Smith</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Will Price/WV Legislature</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>That’s why it’s important to continue to promote good, commonsense legislation that helps meet the needs of our seniors. I’ve heard from hundreds of you — at town halls, at the grocery store, or even through messages on Facebook — about the challenges you face: rising health care costs, inflation costing you more at the grocery store, and the need for better, more reliable high-speed internet to keep you connected.<br><br>These problems deserve real solutions, and that’s what we’re trying to deliver this session in Charleston. In addition to the work that our Finance Committees are doing on this year’s Budget Bill, there are many other pieces of legislation moving through the system with seniors in mind.<br><br>As a member who represents one of the most rural districts in the state, one of my top priorities is protecting and expanding access to quality health care. It’s critical to keep our ADW Waiver in our budget funded so that our residents can get care at home, where they are happiest. Not only is it the best option for families, it’s in most cases a more cost-effective option.<br><br>To go along with that, we’re also exploring ways to bolster caregiving support through a tax credit specifically designed for family caregivers. Although our state is facing a potentially difficult budget year, we recognize the dedication and hard work that family caregivers provide, and we want to support those efforts.<br><br>Keeping our seniors safe at home is critical, which is why the Legislature is looking at a number of bills that target scammers who look to exploit our seniors. We want to make sure there are guardrails in place to help prevent a scammer from being able to take a person’s life savings with a robocall. Scammers are getting smarter, and artificial intelligence is helping them. We need to stay a step ahead.<br><br>Finally, we’re working on issues that hurt those on a fixed income the hardest – especially rising utility bills and food costs. We realize that now more than ever, many grandparents are stepping into the role of raising their grandchildren and need a little help with the grocery bills, and we want to help as best we can.<br><br>I know we’ve got a long road ahead, but I will keep listening and fighting for all of us. Together, we can work to build a West Virginia that not only keeps your children and grandchildren here, but keeps you healthy and active enough to enjoy those years.<br><br>As always, my door is open. If you’ve got ideas, concerns, or just want to let me know what’s on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call my office at 304-357-7801, or drop by when you’re in the area. The work I do in Charleston is about you, and I’m honored to serve you every day.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP West Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank">AARP West Virginia</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://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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="/springfield-ma/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"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680edd02103be-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180250c4e268f7f8b6f1b', 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'W Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'w-springfield-ma' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'West Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'west-springfield-ma' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'East Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'east-longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Agawam', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'agawam-ma' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Chicopee', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'chicopee-ma' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Feeding Hills', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'feeding-hills-ma' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Indian Orchard', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'indian-orchard-ma' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Ludlow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'ludlow-ma' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Holyoke', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'holyoke-ma' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Westfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'westfield-ma' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Wilbraham', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'wilbraham-ma' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Suffield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'suffield-ct' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Enfield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'enfield-ct' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'w-springfield-ma', (int) 2 => 'longmeadow-ma', (int) 3 => 'west-springfield-ma', (int) 4 => 'east-longmeadow-ma', (int) 5 => 'agawam-ma', (int) 6 => 'chicopee-ma', (int) 7 => 'feeding-hills-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'ludlow-ma', (int) 10 => 'holyoke-ma', (int) 11 => 'westfield-ma', (int) 12 => 'wilbraham-ma', (int) 13 => 'suffield-ct', (int) 14 => 'enfield-ct', (int) 15 => 'hampden-ma', (int) 16 => 'somersville-ct', (int) 17 => 'west-suffield-ct', (int) 18 => 'southwick-ma', (int) 19 => 'somers-ct', (int) 20 => 'south-hadley-ma', (int) 21 => 'granby-ma', (int) 22 => 'southampton-ma', (int) 23 => 'three-rivers-ma', (int) 24 => 'easthampton-ma', (int) 25 => 'windsor-locks-ct' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'all', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state}', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-suburban', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => 'News from AARP', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'noindex, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => '{local_city_hl}-{local_state_l}-state', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Massachusetts', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Springfield', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 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'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/massachusetts.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5819664288001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-masachusetts-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ma-2020-08-18.html', 'State_Label' => 'Massachusetts'', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-massachusetts-ma-2021-02-05.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'boston-ma', 'instagram_link' => 'aarpmassachusetts', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Massachusetts.pdf', 'full_state' => 'Massachusetts', 'county' => 'Hampden', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -72.585098266602, (int) 1 => (float) 42.102600097656 ), 'latitude' => (float) 42.102600097656, 'longitude' => (float) -72.585098266602, 'city_state' => 'Springfield, MA', 'city_state_search' => 'Springfield MA,Spfld MA,SPFLD (LONG) MA,Springfeild MA', 'pilot_name' => 'Springfield', 'pilot_sef_url' => '', 'community_id' => (int) 0, 'community_name' => null, 'community_state' => null, 'community_region' => null, 'brightspot_region' => null, 'title' => 'Springfield, MA', 'subtitle' => '', 'tracking_code_town' => 'SPRINGFIELD', 'tracking_code_state' => 'MA', 'ad_state' => 'ma', 'ad_city' => 'springfield', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '01101', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/springfield-ma/', 'alt_names' => 'Springfield,Spfld,SPFLD (LONG),Springfeild', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '01101', (int) 1 => '01102', (int) 2 => '01103', (int) 3 => '01104', (int) 4 => '01105', (int) 5 => '01106', (int) 6 => '01107', (int) 7 => '01108', (int) 8 => '01109', (int) 9 => '01111', (int) 10 => '01115', (int) 11 => '01118', (int) 12 => '01119', (int) 13 => '01128', (int) 14 => '01129', (int) 15 => '01133', (int) 16 => '01138', (int) 17 => '01139', (int) 18 => '01144', (int) 19 => '01151', (int) 20 => '01152', (int) 21 => '01195', (int) 22 => '01199' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'spfld-ma', (int) 2 => 'spfld-long-ma', (int) 3 => 'springfeild-ma', (int) 4 => 'brightwood-ma', (int) 5 => 'mass-mutual-life-ins-co-ma', (int) 6 => 'bay-state-w-tower-ma', (int) 7 => 'indian-orch-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'baystate-medical-ma', (int) 10 => 'longmeadow-ma' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '266', (int) 1 => '267', (int) 2 => '268', (int) 3 => '269', (int) 4 => '270', (int) 5 => '272', (int) 6 => '273', (int) 7 => '274', (int) 8 => '275', (int) 9 => '276', (int) 10 => '278', (int) 11 => '279', (int) 12 => '280', (int) 13 => '281', (int) 14 => '282', (int) 15 => '283', (int) 16 => '284', (int) 17 => '285', (int) 18 => '287', (int) 19 => '288', (int) 20 => '289', (int) 21 => '290', (int) 22 => '46323' ) ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 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 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/springfield-ma/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">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-hartford-ct-c35277.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-HARTFORD-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Hartford Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Hartford Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Hartford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-ellington-ct-c35487.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-ELLINGTON-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Ellington Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Ellington Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Ellington, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-south-windsor-ct-c35400.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CHARLES-N-ENES-COMMUNITY-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Charles N. Enes Community Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Charles N. Enes Community Center</p> <p class="loc">South Windsor, CT</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/springfield-ma/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> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <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">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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 Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</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:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@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/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</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/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit" name="description"/> <meta content="Guest, Column, Addressing, Challenges, Needs, of, West, Virginians, 50, Plus" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/guest-column-addressing-the-challenges-and-needs-of-west-virginians-50-plus" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/guest-column-addressing-the-challenges-and-needs-of-west-virginians-50plus-wv-2025-03-09.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Senate President Randy Smith outlines legislative priorities aimed at helping older West Virginians"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8acedd6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/400x257+0+4/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F2d%2F27%2F17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a%2Fd9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Senate President Randy Smith outlines legislative priorities aimed at helping older West Virginians"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8acedd6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/400x257+0+4/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F2d%2F27%2F17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a%2Fd9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; 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--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">Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 03/09/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit op-ed guest columns on issues pending before the West Virginia Legislature. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author's own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AARP.</i></b><br><br><br>———————————————————————-<br><br><br><br><b>Guest Column by Senate President Randy E. Smith</b><br><b>West Virginia State Senate</b><br><b>March 7, 2025</b><br><br><br>As our West Virginia State Senate President – and a senior citizen myself – I’m aware of the concerns that face our residents as they get older. I am deeply committed to ensuring that West Virginia remains a place where our senior citizens can thrive. Our generation has spent our lives working hard, raising families, building our communities, and strengthening the backbone of our state.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2d/27/17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a/d9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg" alt="D9_187_8048735_581038847_2.jpg" width="400" height="266" style="height: auto; max-width: 280px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">WV Senate President Randy E. Smith</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Will Price/WV Legislature</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>That’s why it’s important to continue to promote good, commonsense legislation that helps meet the needs of our seniors. I’ve heard from hundreds of you — at town halls, at the grocery store, or even through messages on Facebook — about the challenges you face: rising health care costs, inflation costing you more at the grocery store, and the need for better, more reliable high-speed internet to keep you connected.<br><br>These problems deserve real solutions, and that’s what we’re trying to deliver this session in Charleston. In addition to the work that our Finance Committees are doing on this year’s Budget Bill, there are many other pieces of legislation moving through the system with seniors in mind.<br><br>As a member who represents one of the most rural districts in the state, one of my top priorities is protecting and expanding access to quality health care. It’s critical to keep our ADW Waiver in our budget funded so that our residents can get care at home, where they are happiest. Not only is it the best option for families, it’s in most cases a more cost-effective option.<br><br>To go along with that, we’re also exploring ways to bolster caregiving support through a tax credit specifically designed for family caregivers. Although our state is facing a potentially difficult budget year, we recognize the dedication and hard work that family caregivers provide, and we want to support those efforts.<br><br>Keeping our seniors safe at home is critical, which is why the Legislature is looking at a number of bills that target scammers who look to exploit our seniors. We want to make sure there are guardrails in place to help prevent a scammer from being able to take a person’s life savings with a robocall. Scammers are getting smarter, and artificial intelligence is helping them. We need to stay a step ahead.<br><br>Finally, we’re working on issues that hurt those on a fixed income the hardest – especially rising utility bills and food costs. We realize that now more than ever, many grandparents are stepping into the role of raising their grandchildren and need a little help with the grocery bills, and we want to help as best we can.<br><br>I know we’ve got a long road ahead, but I will keep listening and fighting for all of us. Together, we can work to build a West Virginia that not only keeps your children and grandchildren here, but keeps you healthy and active enough to enjoy those years.<br><br>As always, my door is open. If you’ve got ideas, concerns, or just want to let me know what’s on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call my office at 304-357-7801, or drop by when you’re in the area. The work I do in Charleston is about you, and I’m honored to serve you every day.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP West Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank">AARP West Virginia</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://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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="/springfield-ma/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"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680edd02103be-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180250c4e268f7f8b6f1b', 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'W Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'w-springfield-ma' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'West Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'west-springfield-ma' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'East Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'east-longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Agawam', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'agawam-ma' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Chicopee', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'chicopee-ma' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Feeding Hills', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'feeding-hills-ma' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Indian Orchard', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'indian-orchard-ma' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Ludlow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'ludlow-ma' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Holyoke', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'holyoke-ma' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Westfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'westfield-ma' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Wilbraham', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'wilbraham-ma' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Suffield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'suffield-ct' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Enfield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'enfield-ct' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'w-springfield-ma', (int) 2 => 'longmeadow-ma', (int) 3 => 'west-springfield-ma', (int) 4 => 'east-longmeadow-ma', (int) 5 => 'agawam-ma', (int) 6 => 'chicopee-ma', (int) 7 => 'feeding-hills-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'ludlow-ma', (int) 10 => 'holyoke-ma', (int) 11 => 'westfield-ma', (int) 12 => 'wilbraham-ma', (int) 13 => 'suffield-ct', (int) 14 => 'enfield-ct', (int) 15 => 'hampden-ma', (int) 16 => 'somersville-ct', (int) 17 => 'west-suffield-ct', (int) 18 => 'southwick-ma', (int) 19 => 'somers-ct', (int) 20 => 'south-hadley-ma', (int) 21 => 'granby-ma', (int) 22 => 'southampton-ma', (int) 23 => 'three-rivers-ma', (int) 24 => 'easthampton-ma', (int) 25 => 'windsor-locks-ct' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'all', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state}', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-suburban', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => 'News from AARP', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'noindex, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => '{local_city_hl}-{local_state_l}-state', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Massachusetts', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Springfield', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/MA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGMA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Massachusetts', 'contactus_email' => 'MA@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/AARPMA', 'state_contract_id' => '56008', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/massachusetts.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5819664288001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-masachusetts-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ma-2020-08-18.html', 'State_Label' => 'Massachusetts'', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-massachusetts-ma-2021-02-05.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'boston-ma', 'instagram_link' => 'aarpmassachusetts', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Massachusetts.pdf', 'full_state' => 'Massachusetts', 'county' => 'Hampden', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -72.585098266602, (int) 1 => (float) 42.102600097656 ), 'latitude' => (float) 42.102600097656, 'longitude' => (float) -72.585098266602, 'city_state' => 'Springfield, MA', 'city_state_search' => 'Springfield MA,Spfld MA,SPFLD (LONG) MA,Springfeild MA', 'pilot_name' => 'Springfield', 'pilot_sef_url' => '', 'community_id' => (int) 0, 'community_name' => null, 'community_state' => null, 'community_region' => null, 'brightspot_region' => null, 'title' => 'Springfield, MA', 'subtitle' => '', 'tracking_code_town' => 'SPRINGFIELD', 'tracking_code_state' => 'MA', 'ad_state' => 'ma', 'ad_city' => 'springfield', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '01101', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/springfield-ma/', 'alt_names' => 'Springfield,Spfld,SPFLD (LONG),Springfeild', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '01101', (int) 1 => '01102', (int) 2 => '01103', (int) 3 => '01104', (int) 4 => '01105', (int) 5 => '01106', (int) 6 => '01107', (int) 7 => '01108', (int) 8 => '01109', (int) 9 => '01111', (int) 10 => '01115', (int) 11 => '01118', (int) 12 => '01119', (int) 13 => '01128', (int) 14 => '01129', (int) 15 => '01133', (int) 16 => '01138', (int) 17 => '01139', (int) 18 => '01144', (int) 19 => '01151', (int) 20 => '01152', (int) 21 => '01195', (int) 22 => '01199' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'spfld-ma', (int) 2 => 'spfld-long-ma', (int) 3 => 'springfeild-ma', (int) 4 => 'brightwood-ma', (int) 5 => 'mass-mutual-life-ins-co-ma', (int) 6 => 'bay-state-w-tower-ma', (int) 7 => 'indian-orch-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'baystate-medical-ma', (int) 10 => 'longmeadow-ma' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '266', (int) 1 => '267', (int) 2 => '268', (int) 3 => '269', (int) 4 => '270', (int) 5 => '272', (int) 6 => '273', (int) 7 => '274', (int) 8 => '275', (int) 9 => '276', (int) 10 => '278', (int) 11 => '279', (int) 12 => '280', (int) 13 => '281', (int) 14 => '282', (int) 15 => '283', (int) 16 => '284', (int) 17 => '285', (int) 18 => '287', (int) 19 => '288', (int) 20 => '289', (int) 21 => '290', (int) 22 => '46323' ) ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 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 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/springfield-ma/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">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-hartford-ct-c35277.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-HARTFORD-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Hartford Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Hartford Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Hartford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-ellington-ct-c35487.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-ELLINGTON-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Ellington Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Ellington Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Ellington, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-south-windsor-ct-c35400.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CHARLES-N-ENES-COMMUNITY-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Charles N. Enes Community Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Charles N. Enes Community Center</p> <p class="loc">South Windsor, CT</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/springfield-ma/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> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <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">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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 Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</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:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@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/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</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/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit" name="description"/> <meta content="Guest, Column, Addressing, Challenges, Needs, of, West, Virginians, 50, Plus" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/guest-column-addressing-the-challenges-and-needs-of-west-virginians-50-plus" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/guest-column-addressing-the-challenges-and-needs-of-west-virginians-50plus-wv-2025-03-09.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Senate President Randy Smith outlines legislative priorities aimed at helping older West Virginians"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8acedd6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/400x257+0+4/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F2d%2F27%2F17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a%2Fd9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Senate President Randy Smith outlines legislative priorities aimed at helping older West Virginians"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8acedd6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/400x257+0+4/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F2d%2F27%2F17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a%2Fd9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; 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max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :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="/springfield-ma/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Springfield, MA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Home</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">State & Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep d-none " 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="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/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 TBDinclude (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">Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 03/09/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit op-ed guest columns on issues pending before the West Virginia Legislature. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author's own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AARP.</i></b><br><br><br>———————————————————————-<br><br><br><br><b>Guest Column by Senate President Randy E. Smith</b><br><b>West Virginia State Senate</b><br><b>March 7, 2025</b><br><br><br>As our West Virginia State Senate President – and a senior citizen myself – I’m aware of the concerns that face our residents as they get older. I am deeply committed to ensuring that West Virginia remains a place where our senior citizens can thrive. Our generation has spent our lives working hard, raising families, building our communities, and strengthening the backbone of our state.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2d/27/17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a/d9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg" alt="D9_187_8048735_581038847_2.jpg" width="400" height="266" style="height: auto; max-width: 280px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">WV Senate President Randy E. Smith</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Will Price/WV Legislature</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>That’s why it’s important to continue to promote good, commonsense legislation that helps meet the needs of our seniors. I’ve heard from hundreds of you — at town halls, at the grocery store, or even through messages on Facebook — about the challenges you face: rising health care costs, inflation costing you more at the grocery store, and the need for better, more reliable high-speed internet to keep you connected.<br><br>These problems deserve real solutions, and that’s what we’re trying to deliver this session in Charleston. In addition to the work that our Finance Committees are doing on this year’s Budget Bill, there are many other pieces of legislation moving through the system with seniors in mind.<br><br>As a member who represents one of the most rural districts in the state, one of my top priorities is protecting and expanding access to quality health care. It’s critical to keep our ADW Waiver in our budget funded so that our residents can get care at home, where they are happiest. Not only is it the best option for families, it’s in most cases a more cost-effective option.<br><br>To go along with that, we’re also exploring ways to bolster caregiving support through a tax credit specifically designed for family caregivers. Although our state is facing a potentially difficult budget year, we recognize the dedication and hard work that family caregivers provide, and we want to support those efforts.<br><br>Keeping our seniors safe at home is critical, which is why the Legislature is looking at a number of bills that target scammers who look to exploit our seniors. We want to make sure there are guardrails in place to help prevent a scammer from being able to take a person’s life savings with a robocall. Scammers are getting smarter, and artificial intelligence is helping them. We need to stay a step ahead.<br><br>Finally, we’re working on issues that hurt those on a fixed income the hardest – especially rising utility bills and food costs. We realize that now more than ever, many grandparents are stepping into the role of raising their grandchildren and need a little help with the grocery bills, and we want to help as best we can.<br><br>I know we’ve got a long road ahead, but I will keep listening and fighting for all of us. Together, we can work to build a West Virginia that not only keeps your children and grandchildren here, but keeps you healthy and active enough to enjoy those years.<br><br>As always, my door is open. If you’ve got ideas, concerns, or just want to let me know what’s on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call my office at 304-357-7801, or drop by when you’re in the area. The work I do in Charleston is about you, and I’m honored to serve you every day.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP West Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank">AARP West Virginia</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://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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="/springfield-ma/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"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680edd02103be-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180250c4e268f7f8b6f1b', 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'W Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'w-springfield-ma' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'West Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'west-springfield-ma' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'East Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'east-longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Agawam', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'agawam-ma' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Chicopee', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'chicopee-ma' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Feeding Hills', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'feeding-hills-ma' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Indian Orchard', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'indian-orchard-ma' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Ludlow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'ludlow-ma' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Holyoke', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'holyoke-ma' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Westfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'westfield-ma' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Wilbraham', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'wilbraham-ma' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Suffield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'suffield-ct' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Enfield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'enfield-ct' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'w-springfield-ma', (int) 2 => 'longmeadow-ma', (int) 3 => 'west-springfield-ma', (int) 4 => 'east-longmeadow-ma', (int) 5 => 'agawam-ma', (int) 6 => 'chicopee-ma', (int) 7 => 'feeding-hills-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'ludlow-ma', (int) 10 => 'holyoke-ma', (int) 11 => 'westfield-ma', (int) 12 => 'wilbraham-ma', (int) 13 => 'suffield-ct', (int) 14 => 'enfield-ct', (int) 15 => 'hampden-ma', (int) 16 => 'somersville-ct', (int) 17 => 'west-suffield-ct', (int) 18 => 'southwick-ma', (int) 19 => 'somers-ct', (int) 20 => 'south-hadley-ma', (int) 21 => 'granby-ma', (int) 22 => 'southampton-ma', (int) 23 => 'three-rivers-ma', (int) 24 => 'easthampton-ma', (int) 25 => 'windsor-locks-ct' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'all', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state}', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-suburban', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => 'News from AARP', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'noindex, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => '{local_city_hl}-{local_state_l}-state', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Massachusetts', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Springfield', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/MA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGMA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Massachusetts', 'contactus_email' => 'MA@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/AARPMA', 'state_contract_id' => '56008', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/massachusetts.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5819664288001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-masachusetts-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ma-2020-08-18.html', 'State_Label' => 'Massachusetts'', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-massachusetts-ma-2021-02-05.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'boston-ma', 'instagram_link' => 'aarpmassachusetts', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Massachusetts.pdf', 'full_state' => 'Massachusetts', 'county' => 'Hampden', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -72.585098266602, (int) 1 => (float) 42.102600097656 ), 'latitude' => (float) 42.102600097656, 'longitude' => (float) -72.585098266602, 'city_state' => 'Springfield, MA', 'city_state_search' => 'Springfield MA,Spfld MA,SPFLD (LONG) MA,Springfeild MA', 'pilot_name' => 'Springfield', 'pilot_sef_url' => '', 'community_id' => (int) 0, 'community_name' => null, 'community_state' => null, 'community_region' => null, 'brightspot_region' => null, 'title' => 'Springfield, MA', 'subtitle' => '', 'tracking_code_town' => 'SPRINGFIELD', 'tracking_code_state' => 'MA', 'ad_state' => 'ma', 'ad_city' => 'springfield', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '01101', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/springfield-ma/', 'alt_names' => 'Springfield,Spfld,SPFLD (LONG),Springfeild', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '01101', (int) 1 => '01102', (int) 2 => '01103', (int) 3 => '01104', (int) 4 => '01105', (int) 5 => '01106', (int) 6 => '01107', (int) 7 => '01108', (int) 8 => '01109', (int) 9 => '01111', (int) 10 => '01115', (int) 11 => '01118', (int) 12 => '01119', (int) 13 => '01128', (int) 14 => '01129', (int) 15 => '01133', (int) 16 => '01138', (int) 17 => '01139', (int) 18 => '01144', (int) 19 => '01151', (int) 20 => '01152', (int) 21 => '01195', (int) 22 => '01199' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'spfld-ma', (int) 2 => 'spfld-long-ma', (int) 3 => 'springfeild-ma', (int) 4 => 'brightwood-ma', (int) 5 => 'mass-mutual-life-ins-co-ma', (int) 6 => 'bay-state-w-tower-ma', (int) 7 => 'indian-orch-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'baystate-medical-ma', (int) 10 => 'longmeadow-ma' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '266', (int) 1 => '267', (int) 2 => '268', (int) 3 => '269', (int) 4 => '270', (int) 5 => '272', (int) 6 => '273', (int) 7 => '274', (int) 8 => '275', (int) 9 => '276', (int) 10 => '278', (int) 11 => '279', (int) 12 => '280', (int) 13 => '281', (int) 14 => '282', (int) 15 => '283', (int) 16 => '284', (int) 17 => '285', (int) 18 => '287', (int) 19 => '288', (int) 20 => '289', (int) 21 => '290', (int) 22 => '46323' ) ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 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 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/springfield-ma/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">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-hartford-ct-c35277.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-HARTFORD-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Hartford Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Hartford Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Hartford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-ellington-ct-c35487.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-ELLINGTON-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Ellington Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Ellington Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Ellington, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-south-windsor-ct-c35400.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CHARLES-N-ENES-COMMUNITY-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Charles N. Enes Community Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Charles N. Enes Community Center</p> <p class="loc">South Windsor, CT</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/springfield-ma/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> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <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">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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; 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} .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :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">Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 03/09/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit op-ed guest columns on issues pending before the West Virginia Legislature. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author's own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AARP.</i></b><br><br><br>———————————————————————-<br><br><br><br><b>Guest Column by Senate President Randy E. Smith</b><br><b>West Virginia State Senate</b><br><b>March 7, 2025</b><br><br><br>As our West Virginia State Senate President – and a senior citizen myself – I’m aware of the concerns that face our residents as they get older. I am deeply committed to ensuring that West Virginia remains a place where our senior citizens can thrive. Our generation has spent our lives working hard, raising families, building our communities, and strengthening the backbone of our state.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2d/27/17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a/d9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg" alt="D9_187_8048735_581038847_2.jpg" width="400" height="266" style="height: auto; max-width: 280px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">WV Senate President Randy E. Smith</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Will Price/WV Legislature</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>That’s why it’s important to continue to promote good, commonsense legislation that helps meet the needs of our seniors. I’ve heard from hundreds of you — at town halls, at the grocery store, or even through messages on Facebook — about the challenges you face: rising health care costs, inflation costing you more at the grocery store, and the need for better, more reliable high-speed internet to keep you connected.<br><br>These problems deserve real solutions, and that’s what we’re trying to deliver this session in Charleston. In addition to the work that our Finance Committees are doing on this year’s Budget Bill, there are many other pieces of legislation moving through the system with seniors in mind.<br><br>As a member who represents one of the most rural districts in the state, one of my top priorities is protecting and expanding access to quality health care. It’s critical to keep our ADW Waiver in our budget funded so that our residents can get care at home, where they are happiest. Not only is it the best option for families, it’s in most cases a more cost-effective option.<br><br>To go along with that, we’re also exploring ways to bolster caregiving support through a tax credit specifically designed for family caregivers. Although our state is facing a potentially difficult budget year, we recognize the dedication and hard work that family caregivers provide, and we want to support those efforts.<br><br>Keeping our seniors safe at home is critical, which is why the Legislature is looking at a number of bills that target scammers who look to exploit our seniors. We want to make sure there are guardrails in place to help prevent a scammer from being able to take a person’s life savings with a robocall. Scammers are getting smarter, and artificial intelligence is helping them. We need to stay a step ahead.<br><br>Finally, we’re working on issues that hurt those on a fixed income the hardest – especially rising utility bills and food costs. We realize that now more than ever, many grandparents are stepping into the role of raising their grandchildren and need a little help with the grocery bills, and we want to help as best we can.<br><br>I know we’ve got a long road ahead, but I will keep listening and fighting for all of us. Together, we can work to build a West Virginia that not only keeps your children and grandchildren here, but keeps you healthy and active enough to enjoy those years.<br><br>As always, my door is open. If you’ve got ideas, concerns, or just want to let me know what’s on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call my office at 304-357-7801, or drop by when you’re in the area. The work I do in Charleston is about you, and I’m honored to serve you every day.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP West Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank">AARP West Virginia</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://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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="/springfield-ma/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"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680edd02103be-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180250c4e268f7f8b6f1b', 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'W Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'w-springfield-ma' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'West Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'west-springfield-ma' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'East Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'east-longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Agawam', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'agawam-ma' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Chicopee', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'chicopee-ma' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Feeding Hills', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'feeding-hills-ma' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Indian Orchard', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'indian-orchard-ma' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Ludlow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'ludlow-ma' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Holyoke', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'holyoke-ma' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Westfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'westfield-ma' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Wilbraham', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'wilbraham-ma' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Suffield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'suffield-ct' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Enfield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'enfield-ct' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'w-springfield-ma', (int) 2 => 'longmeadow-ma', (int) 3 => 'west-springfield-ma', (int) 4 => 'east-longmeadow-ma', (int) 5 => 'agawam-ma', (int) 6 => 'chicopee-ma', (int) 7 => 'feeding-hills-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'ludlow-ma', (int) 10 => 'holyoke-ma', (int) 11 => 'westfield-ma', (int) 12 => 'wilbraham-ma', (int) 13 => 'suffield-ct', (int) 14 => 'enfield-ct', (int) 15 => 'hampden-ma', (int) 16 => 'somersville-ct', (int) 17 => 'west-suffield-ct', (int) 18 => 'southwick-ma', (int) 19 => 'somers-ct', (int) 20 => 'south-hadley-ma', (int) 21 => 'granby-ma', (int) 22 => 'southampton-ma', (int) 23 => 'three-rivers-ma', (int) 24 => 'easthampton-ma', (int) 25 => 'windsor-locks-ct' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'all', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state}', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-suburban', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => 'News from AARP', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'noindex, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => '{local_city_hl}-{local_state_l}-state', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Massachusetts', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Springfield', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/MA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGMA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Massachusetts', 'contactus_email' => 'MA@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/AARPMA', 'state_contract_id' => '56008', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/massachusetts.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5819664288001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-masachusetts-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ma-2020-08-18.html', 'State_Label' => 'Massachusetts'', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-massachusetts-ma-2021-02-05.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'boston-ma', 'instagram_link' => 'aarpmassachusetts', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Massachusetts.pdf', 'full_state' => 'Massachusetts', 'county' => 'Hampden', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -72.585098266602, (int) 1 => (float) 42.102600097656 ), 'latitude' => (float) 42.102600097656, 'longitude' => (float) -72.585098266602, 'city_state' => 'Springfield, MA', 'city_state_search' => 'Springfield MA,Spfld MA,SPFLD (LONG) MA,Springfeild MA', 'pilot_name' => 'Springfield', 'pilot_sef_url' => '', 'community_id' => (int) 0, 'community_name' => null, 'community_state' => null, 'community_region' => null, 'brightspot_region' => null, 'title' => 'Springfield, MA', 'subtitle' => '', 'tracking_code_town' => 'SPRINGFIELD', 'tracking_code_state' => 'MA', 'ad_state' => 'ma', 'ad_city' => 'springfield', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '01101', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/springfield-ma/', 'alt_names' => 'Springfield,Spfld,SPFLD (LONG),Springfeild', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '01101', (int) 1 => '01102', (int) 2 => '01103', (int) 3 => '01104', (int) 4 => '01105', (int) 5 => '01106', (int) 6 => '01107', (int) 7 => '01108', (int) 8 => '01109', (int) 9 => '01111', (int) 10 => '01115', (int) 11 => '01118', (int) 12 => '01119', (int) 13 => '01128', (int) 14 => '01129', (int) 15 => '01133', (int) 16 => '01138', (int) 17 => '01139', (int) 18 => '01144', (int) 19 => '01151', (int) 20 => '01152', (int) 21 => '01195', (int) 22 => '01199' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'spfld-ma', (int) 2 => 'spfld-long-ma', (int) 3 => 'springfeild-ma', (int) 4 => 'brightwood-ma', (int) 5 => 'mass-mutual-life-ins-co-ma', (int) 6 => 'bay-state-w-tower-ma', (int) 7 => 'indian-orch-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'baystate-medical-ma', (int) 10 => 'longmeadow-ma' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '266', (int) 1 => '267', (int) 2 => '268', (int) 3 => '269', (int) 4 => '270', (int) 5 => '272', (int) 6 => '273', (int) 7 => '274', (int) 8 => '275', (int) 9 => '276', (int) 10 => '278', (int) 11 => '279', (int) 12 => '280', (int) 13 => '281', (int) 14 => '282', (int) 15 => '283', (int) 16 => '284', (int) 17 => '285', (int) 18 => '287', (int) 19 => '288', (int) 20 => '289', (int) 21 => '290', (int) 22 => '46323' ) ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 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 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/springfield-ma/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">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-hartford-ct-c35277.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-HARTFORD-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Hartford Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Hartford Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Hartford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-ellington-ct-c35487.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-ELLINGTON-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Ellington Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Ellington Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Ellington, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-south-windsor-ct-c35400.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CHARLES-N-ENES-COMMUNITY-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Charles N. Enes Community Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Charles N. Enes Community Center</p> <p class="loc">South Windsor, CT</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/springfield-ma/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> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <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">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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; 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"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">Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 03/09/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit op-ed guest columns on issues pending before the West Virginia Legislature. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author's own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AARP.</i></b><br><br><br>———————————————————————-<br><br><br><br><b>Guest Column by Senate President Randy E. Smith</b><br><b>West Virginia State Senate</b><br><b>March 7, 2025</b><br><br><br>As our West Virginia State Senate President – and a senior citizen myself – I’m aware of the concerns that face our residents as they get older. I am deeply committed to ensuring that West Virginia remains a place where our senior citizens can thrive. Our generation has spent our lives working hard, raising families, building our communities, and strengthening the backbone of our state.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2d/27/17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a/d9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg" alt="D9_187_8048735_581038847_2.jpg" width="400" height="266" style="height: auto; max-width: 280px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">WV Senate President Randy E. Smith</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Will Price/WV Legislature</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>That’s why it’s important to continue to promote good, commonsense legislation that helps meet the needs of our seniors. I’ve heard from hundreds of you — at town halls, at the grocery store, or even through messages on Facebook — about the challenges you face: rising health care costs, inflation costing you more at the grocery store, and the need for better, more reliable high-speed internet to keep you connected.<br><br>These problems deserve real solutions, and that’s what we’re trying to deliver this session in Charleston. In addition to the work that our Finance Committees are doing on this year’s Budget Bill, there are many other pieces of legislation moving through the system with seniors in mind.<br><br>As a member who represents one of the most rural districts in the state, one of my top priorities is protecting and expanding access to quality health care. It’s critical to keep our ADW Waiver in our budget funded so that our residents can get care at home, where they are happiest. Not only is it the best option for families, it’s in most cases a more cost-effective option.<br><br>To go along with that, we’re also exploring ways to bolster caregiving support through a tax credit specifically designed for family caregivers. Although our state is facing a potentially difficult budget year, we recognize the dedication and hard work that family caregivers provide, and we want to support those efforts.<br><br>Keeping our seniors safe at home is critical, which is why the Legislature is looking at a number of bills that target scammers who look to exploit our seniors. We want to make sure there are guardrails in place to help prevent a scammer from being able to take a person’s life savings with a robocall. Scammers are getting smarter, and artificial intelligence is helping them. We need to stay a step ahead.<br><br>Finally, we’re working on issues that hurt those on a fixed income the hardest – especially rising utility bills and food costs. We realize that now more than ever, many grandparents are stepping into the role of raising their grandchildren and need a little help with the grocery bills, and we want to help as best we can.<br><br>I know we’ve got a long road ahead, but I will keep listening and fighting for all of us. Together, we can work to build a West Virginia that not only keeps your children and grandchildren here, but keeps you healthy and active enough to enjoy those years.<br><br>As always, my door is open. If you’ve got ideas, concerns, or just want to let me know what’s on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call my office at 304-357-7801, or drop by when you’re in the area. The work I do in Charleston is about you, and I’m honored to serve you every day.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP West Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank">AARP West Virginia</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://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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="/springfield-ma/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"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680edd02103be-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180250c4e268f7f8b6f1b', 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'W Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'w-springfield-ma' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'West Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'west-springfield-ma' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'East Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'east-longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Agawam', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'agawam-ma' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Chicopee', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'chicopee-ma' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Feeding Hills', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'feeding-hills-ma' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Indian Orchard', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'indian-orchard-ma' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Ludlow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'ludlow-ma' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Holyoke', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'holyoke-ma' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Westfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'westfield-ma' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Wilbraham', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'wilbraham-ma' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Suffield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'suffield-ct' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Enfield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'enfield-ct' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'w-springfield-ma', (int) 2 => 'longmeadow-ma', (int) 3 => 'west-springfield-ma', (int) 4 => 'east-longmeadow-ma', (int) 5 => 'agawam-ma', (int) 6 => 'chicopee-ma', (int) 7 => 'feeding-hills-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'ludlow-ma', (int) 10 => 'holyoke-ma', (int) 11 => 'westfield-ma', (int) 12 => 'wilbraham-ma', (int) 13 => 'suffield-ct', (int) 14 => 'enfield-ct', (int) 15 => 'hampden-ma', (int) 16 => 'somersville-ct', (int) 17 => 'west-suffield-ct', (int) 18 => 'southwick-ma', (int) 19 => 'somers-ct', (int) 20 => 'south-hadley-ma', (int) 21 => 'granby-ma', (int) 22 => 'southampton-ma', (int) 23 => 'three-rivers-ma', (int) 24 => 'easthampton-ma', (int) 25 => 'windsor-locks-ct' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'all', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state}', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-suburban', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => 'News from AARP', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'noindex, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => '{local_city_hl}-{local_state_l}-state', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Massachusetts', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Springfield', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 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'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/massachusetts.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5819664288001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-masachusetts-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ma-2020-08-18.html', 'State_Label' => 'Massachusetts'', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-massachusetts-ma-2021-02-05.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'boston-ma', 'instagram_link' => 'aarpmassachusetts', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Massachusetts.pdf', 'full_state' => 'Massachusetts', 'county' => 'Hampden', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -72.585098266602, (int) 1 => (float) 42.102600097656 ), 'latitude' => (float) 42.102600097656, 'longitude' => (float) -72.585098266602, 'city_state' => 'Springfield, MA', 'city_state_search' => 'Springfield MA,Spfld MA,SPFLD (LONG) MA,Springfeild MA', 'pilot_name' => 'Springfield', 'pilot_sef_url' => '', 'community_id' => (int) 0, 'community_name' => null, 'community_state' => null, 'community_region' => null, 'brightspot_region' => null, 'title' => 'Springfield, MA', 'subtitle' => '', 'tracking_code_town' => 'SPRINGFIELD', 'tracking_code_state' => 'MA', 'ad_state' => 'ma', 'ad_city' => 'springfield', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '01101', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/springfield-ma/', 'alt_names' => 'Springfield,Spfld,SPFLD (LONG),Springfeild', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '01101', (int) 1 => '01102', (int) 2 => '01103', (int) 3 => '01104', (int) 4 => '01105', (int) 5 => '01106', (int) 6 => '01107', (int) 7 => '01108', (int) 8 => '01109', (int) 9 => '01111', (int) 10 => '01115', (int) 11 => '01118', (int) 12 => '01119', (int) 13 => '01128', (int) 14 => '01129', (int) 15 => '01133', (int) 16 => '01138', (int) 17 => '01139', (int) 18 => '01144', (int) 19 => '01151', (int) 20 => '01152', (int) 21 => '01195', (int) 22 => '01199' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'spfld-ma', (int) 2 => 'spfld-long-ma', (int) 3 => 'springfeild-ma', (int) 4 => 'brightwood-ma', (int) 5 => 'mass-mutual-life-ins-co-ma', (int) 6 => 'bay-state-w-tower-ma', (int) 7 => 'indian-orch-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'baystate-medical-ma', (int) 10 => 'longmeadow-ma' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '266', (int) 1 => '267', (int) 2 => '268', (int) 3 => '269', (int) 4 => '270', (int) 5 => '272', (int) 6 => '273', (int) 7 => '274', (int) 8 => '275', (int) 9 => '276', (int) 10 => '278', (int) 11 => '279', (int) 12 => '280', (int) 13 => '281', (int) 14 => '282', (int) 15 => '283', (int) 16 => '284', (int) 17 => '285', (int) 18 => '287', (int) 19 => '288', (int) 20 => '289', (int) 21 => '290', (int) 22 => '46323' ) ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 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 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/springfield-ma/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">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-hartford-ct-c35277.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-HARTFORD-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Hartford Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Hartford Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Hartford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-ellington-ct-c35487.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-ELLINGTON-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Ellington Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Ellington Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Ellington, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-south-windsor-ct-c35400.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CHARLES-N-ENES-COMMUNITY-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Charles N. Enes Community Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Charles N. Enes Community Center</p> <p class="loc">South Windsor, CT</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/springfield-ma/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> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <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">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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 Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</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:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@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/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</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/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit" name="description"/> <meta content="Guest, Column, Addressing, Challenges, Needs, of, West, Virginians, 50, Plus" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/guest-column-addressing-the-challenges-and-needs-of-west-virginians-50-plus" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/guest-column-addressing-the-challenges-and-needs-of-west-virginians-50plus-wv-2025-03-09.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Senate President Randy Smith outlines legislative priorities aimed at helping older West Virginians"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8acedd6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/400x257+0+4/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F2d%2F27%2F17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a%2Fd9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Senate President Randy Smith outlines legislative priorities aimed at helping older West Virginians"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8acedd6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/400x257+0+4/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F2d%2F27%2F17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a%2Fd9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; 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--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">Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 03/09/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit op-ed guest columns on issues pending before the West Virginia Legislature. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author's own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AARP.</i></b><br><br><br>———————————————————————-<br><br><br><br><b>Guest Column by Senate President Randy E. Smith</b><br><b>West Virginia State Senate</b><br><b>March 7, 2025</b><br><br><br>As our West Virginia State Senate President – and a senior citizen myself – I’m aware of the concerns that face our residents as they get older. I am deeply committed to ensuring that West Virginia remains a place where our senior citizens can thrive. Our generation has spent our lives working hard, raising families, building our communities, and strengthening the backbone of our state.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2d/27/17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a/d9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg" alt="D9_187_8048735_581038847_2.jpg" width="400" height="266" style="height: auto; max-width: 280px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">WV Senate President Randy E. Smith</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Will Price/WV Legislature</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>That’s why it’s important to continue to promote good, commonsense legislation that helps meet the needs of our seniors. I’ve heard from hundreds of you — at town halls, at the grocery store, or even through messages on Facebook — about the challenges you face: rising health care costs, inflation costing you more at the grocery store, and the need for better, more reliable high-speed internet to keep you connected.<br><br>These problems deserve real solutions, and that’s what we’re trying to deliver this session in Charleston. In addition to the work that our Finance Committees are doing on this year’s Budget Bill, there are many other pieces of legislation moving through the system with seniors in mind.<br><br>As a member who represents one of the most rural districts in the state, one of my top priorities is protecting and expanding access to quality health care. It’s critical to keep our ADW Waiver in our budget funded so that our residents can get care at home, where they are happiest. Not only is it the best option for families, it’s in most cases a more cost-effective option.<br><br>To go along with that, we’re also exploring ways to bolster caregiving support through a tax credit specifically designed for family caregivers. Although our state is facing a potentially difficult budget year, we recognize the dedication and hard work that family caregivers provide, and we want to support those efforts.<br><br>Keeping our seniors safe at home is critical, which is why the Legislature is looking at a number of bills that target scammers who look to exploit our seniors. We want to make sure there are guardrails in place to help prevent a scammer from being able to take a person’s life savings with a robocall. Scammers are getting smarter, and artificial intelligence is helping them. We need to stay a step ahead.<br><br>Finally, we’re working on issues that hurt those on a fixed income the hardest – especially rising utility bills and food costs. We realize that now more than ever, many grandparents are stepping into the role of raising their grandchildren and need a little help with the grocery bills, and we want to help as best we can.<br><br>I know we’ve got a long road ahead, but I will keep listening and fighting for all of us. Together, we can work to build a West Virginia that not only keeps your children and grandchildren here, but keeps you healthy and active enough to enjoy those years.<br><br>As always, my door is open. If you’ve got ideas, concerns, or just want to let me know what’s on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call my office at 304-357-7801, or drop by when you’re in the area. The work I do in Charleston is about you, and I’m honored to serve you every day.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP West Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank">AARP West Virginia</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://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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="/springfield-ma/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"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680edd02103be-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180250c4e268f7f8b6f1b', 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'W Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'w-springfield-ma' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'West Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'west-springfield-ma' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'East Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'east-longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Agawam', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'agawam-ma' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Chicopee', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'chicopee-ma' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Feeding Hills', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'feeding-hills-ma' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Indian Orchard', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'indian-orchard-ma' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Ludlow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'ludlow-ma' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Holyoke', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'holyoke-ma' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Westfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'westfield-ma' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Wilbraham', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'wilbraham-ma' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Suffield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'suffield-ct' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Enfield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'enfield-ct' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'w-springfield-ma', (int) 2 => 'longmeadow-ma', (int) 3 => 'west-springfield-ma', (int) 4 => 'east-longmeadow-ma', (int) 5 => 'agawam-ma', (int) 6 => 'chicopee-ma', (int) 7 => 'feeding-hills-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'ludlow-ma', (int) 10 => 'holyoke-ma', (int) 11 => 'westfield-ma', (int) 12 => 'wilbraham-ma', (int) 13 => 'suffield-ct', (int) 14 => 'enfield-ct', (int) 15 => 'hampden-ma', (int) 16 => 'somersville-ct', (int) 17 => 'west-suffield-ct', (int) 18 => 'southwick-ma', (int) 19 => 'somers-ct', (int) 20 => 'south-hadley-ma', (int) 21 => 'granby-ma', (int) 22 => 'southampton-ma', (int) 23 => 'three-rivers-ma', (int) 24 => 'easthampton-ma', (int) 25 => 'windsor-locks-ct' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'all', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state}', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-suburban', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => 'News from AARP', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'noindex, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => '{local_city_hl}-{local_state_l}-state', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Massachusetts', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Springfield', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/MA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGMA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Massachusetts', 'contactus_email' => 'MA@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/AARPMA', 'state_contract_id' => '56008', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/massachusetts.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5819664288001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-masachusetts-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ma-2020-08-18.html', 'State_Label' => 'Massachusetts'', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-massachusetts-ma-2021-02-05.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'boston-ma', 'instagram_link' => 'aarpmassachusetts', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Massachusetts.pdf', 'full_state' => 'Massachusetts', 'county' => 'Hampden', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -72.585098266602, (int) 1 => (float) 42.102600097656 ), 'latitude' => (float) 42.102600097656, 'longitude' => (float) -72.585098266602, 'city_state' => 'Springfield, MA', 'city_state_search' => 'Springfield MA,Spfld MA,SPFLD (LONG) MA,Springfeild MA', 'pilot_name' => 'Springfield', 'pilot_sef_url' => '', 'community_id' => (int) 0, 'community_name' => null, 'community_state' => null, 'community_region' => null, 'brightspot_region' => null, 'title' => 'Springfield, MA', 'subtitle' => '', 'tracking_code_town' => 'SPRINGFIELD', 'tracking_code_state' => 'MA', 'ad_state' => 'ma', 'ad_city' => 'springfield', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '01101', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/springfield-ma/', 'alt_names' => 'Springfield,Spfld,SPFLD (LONG),Springfeild', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '01101', (int) 1 => '01102', (int) 2 => '01103', (int) 3 => '01104', (int) 4 => '01105', (int) 5 => '01106', (int) 6 => '01107', (int) 7 => '01108', (int) 8 => '01109', (int) 9 => '01111', (int) 10 => '01115', (int) 11 => '01118', (int) 12 => '01119', (int) 13 => '01128', (int) 14 => '01129', (int) 15 => '01133', (int) 16 => '01138', (int) 17 => '01139', (int) 18 => '01144', (int) 19 => '01151', (int) 20 => '01152', (int) 21 => '01195', (int) 22 => '01199' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'spfld-ma', (int) 2 => 'spfld-long-ma', (int) 3 => 'springfeild-ma', (int) 4 => 'brightwood-ma', (int) 5 => 'mass-mutual-life-ins-co-ma', (int) 6 => 'bay-state-w-tower-ma', (int) 7 => 'indian-orch-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'baystate-medical-ma', (int) 10 => 'longmeadow-ma' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '266', (int) 1 => '267', (int) 2 => '268', (int) 3 => '269', (int) 4 => '270', (int) 5 => '272', (int) 6 => '273', (int) 7 => '274', (int) 8 => '275', (int) 9 => '276', (int) 10 => '278', (int) 11 => '279', (int) 12 => '280', (int) 13 => '281', (int) 14 => '282', (int) 15 => '283', (int) 16 => '284', (int) 17 => '285', (int) 18 => '287', (int) 19 => '288', (int) 20 => '289', (int) 21 => '290', (int) 22 => '46323' ) ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 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 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/springfield-ma/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">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-hartford-ct-c35277.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-HARTFORD-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Hartford Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Hartford Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Hartford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-ellington-ct-c35487.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-ELLINGTON-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Ellington Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Ellington Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Ellington, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-south-windsor-ct-c35400.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CHARLES-N-ENES-COMMUNITY-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Charles N. Enes Community Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Charles N. Enes Community Center</p> <p class="loc">South Windsor, CT</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/springfield-ma/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> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <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">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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 Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</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:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@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/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</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/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit" name="description"/> <meta content="Guest, Column, Addressing, Challenges, Needs, of, West, Virginians, 50, Plus" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/guest-column-addressing-the-challenges-and-needs-of-west-virginians-50-plus" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/guest-column-addressing-the-challenges-and-needs-of-west-virginians-50plus-wv-2025-03-09.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Senate President Randy Smith outlines legislative priorities aimed at helping older West Virginians"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8acedd6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/400x257+0+4/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F2d%2F27%2F17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a%2Fd9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Senate President Randy Smith outlines legislative priorities aimed at helping older West Virginians"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8acedd6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/400x257+0+4/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F2d%2F27%2F17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a%2Fd9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; 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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">Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 03/09/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit op-ed guest columns on issues pending before the West Virginia Legislature. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author's own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AARP.</i></b><br><br><br>———————————————————————-<br><br><br><br><b>Guest Column by Senate President Randy E. Smith</b><br><b>West Virginia State Senate</b><br><b>March 7, 2025</b><br><br><br>As our West Virginia State Senate President – and a senior citizen myself – I’m aware of the concerns that face our residents as they get older. I am deeply committed to ensuring that West Virginia remains a place where our senior citizens can thrive. Our generation has spent our lives working hard, raising families, building our communities, and strengthening the backbone of our state.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2d/27/17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a/d9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg" alt="D9_187_8048735_581038847_2.jpg" width="400" height="266" style="height: auto; max-width: 280px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">WV Senate President Randy E. Smith</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Will Price/WV Legislature</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>That’s why it’s important to continue to promote good, commonsense legislation that helps meet the needs of our seniors. I’ve heard from hundreds of you — at town halls, at the grocery store, or even through messages on Facebook — about the challenges you face: rising health care costs, inflation costing you more at the grocery store, and the need for better, more reliable high-speed internet to keep you connected.<br><br>These problems deserve real solutions, and that’s what we’re trying to deliver this session in Charleston. In addition to the work that our Finance Committees are doing on this year’s Budget Bill, there are many other pieces of legislation moving through the system with seniors in mind.<br><br>As a member who represents one of the most rural districts in the state, one of my top priorities is protecting and expanding access to quality health care. It’s critical to keep our ADW Waiver in our budget funded so that our residents can get care at home, where they are happiest. Not only is it the best option for families, it’s in most cases a more cost-effective option.<br><br>To go along with that, we’re also exploring ways to bolster caregiving support through a tax credit specifically designed for family caregivers. Although our state is facing a potentially difficult budget year, we recognize the dedication and hard work that family caregivers provide, and we want to support those efforts.<br><br>Keeping our seniors safe at home is critical, which is why the Legislature is looking at a number of bills that target scammers who look to exploit our seniors. We want to make sure there are guardrails in place to help prevent a scammer from being able to take a person’s life savings with a robocall. Scammers are getting smarter, and artificial intelligence is helping them. We need to stay a step ahead.<br><br>Finally, we’re working on issues that hurt those on a fixed income the hardest – especially rising utility bills and food costs. We realize that now more than ever, many grandparents are stepping into the role of raising their grandchildren and need a little help with the grocery bills, and we want to help as best we can.<br><br>I know we’ve got a long road ahead, but I will keep listening and fighting for all of us. Together, we can work to build a West Virginia that not only keeps your children and grandchildren here, but keeps you healthy and active enough to enjoy those years.<br><br>As always, my door is open. If you’ve got ideas, concerns, or just want to let me know what’s on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call my office at 304-357-7801, or drop by when you’re in the area. The work I do in Charleston is about you, and I’m honored to serve you every day.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP West Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank">AARP West Virginia</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://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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="/springfield-ma/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"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680edd02103be-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180250c4e268f7f8b6f1b', 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'W Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'w-springfield-ma' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'West Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'west-springfield-ma' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'East Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'east-longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Agawam', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'agawam-ma' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Chicopee', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'chicopee-ma' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Feeding Hills', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'feeding-hills-ma' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Indian Orchard', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'indian-orchard-ma' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Ludlow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'ludlow-ma' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Holyoke', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'holyoke-ma' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Westfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'westfield-ma' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Wilbraham', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'wilbraham-ma' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Suffield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'suffield-ct' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Enfield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'enfield-ct' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'w-springfield-ma', (int) 2 => 'longmeadow-ma', (int) 3 => 'west-springfield-ma', (int) 4 => 'east-longmeadow-ma', (int) 5 => 'agawam-ma', (int) 6 => 'chicopee-ma', (int) 7 => 'feeding-hills-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'ludlow-ma', (int) 10 => 'holyoke-ma', (int) 11 => 'westfield-ma', (int) 12 => 'wilbraham-ma', (int) 13 => 'suffield-ct', (int) 14 => 'enfield-ct', (int) 15 => 'hampden-ma', (int) 16 => 'somersville-ct', (int) 17 => 'west-suffield-ct', (int) 18 => 'southwick-ma', (int) 19 => 'somers-ct', (int) 20 => 'south-hadley-ma', (int) 21 => 'granby-ma', (int) 22 => 'southampton-ma', (int) 23 => 'three-rivers-ma', (int) 24 => 'easthampton-ma', (int) 25 => 'windsor-locks-ct' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'all', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state}', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-suburban', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => 'News from AARP', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'noindex, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => '{local_city_hl}-{local_state_l}-state', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Massachusetts', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Springfield', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/MA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGMA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Massachusetts', 'contactus_email' => 'MA@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/AARPMA', 'state_contract_id' => '56008', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/massachusetts.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5819664288001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-masachusetts-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ma-2020-08-18.html', 'State_Label' => 'Massachusetts'', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-massachusetts-ma-2021-02-05.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'boston-ma', 'instagram_link' => 'aarpmassachusetts', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Massachusetts.pdf', 'full_state' => 'Massachusetts', 'county' => 'Hampden', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -72.585098266602, (int) 1 => (float) 42.102600097656 ), 'latitude' => (float) 42.102600097656, 'longitude' => (float) -72.585098266602, 'city_state' => 'Springfield, MA', 'city_state_search' => 'Springfield MA,Spfld MA,SPFLD (LONG) MA,Springfeild MA', 'pilot_name' => 'Springfield', 'pilot_sef_url' => '', 'community_id' => (int) 0, 'community_name' => null, 'community_state' => null, 'community_region' => null, 'brightspot_region' => null, 'title' => 'Springfield, MA', 'subtitle' => '', 'tracking_code_town' => 'SPRINGFIELD', 'tracking_code_state' => 'MA', 'ad_state' => 'ma', 'ad_city' => 'springfield', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '01101', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/springfield-ma/', 'alt_names' => 'Springfield,Spfld,SPFLD (LONG),Springfeild', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '01101', (int) 1 => '01102', (int) 2 => '01103', (int) 3 => '01104', (int) 4 => '01105', (int) 5 => '01106', (int) 6 => '01107', (int) 7 => '01108', (int) 8 => '01109', (int) 9 => '01111', (int) 10 => '01115', (int) 11 => '01118', (int) 12 => '01119', (int) 13 => '01128', (int) 14 => '01129', (int) 15 => '01133', (int) 16 => '01138', (int) 17 => '01139', (int) 18 => '01144', (int) 19 => '01151', (int) 20 => '01152', (int) 21 => '01195', (int) 22 => '01199' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'spfld-ma', (int) 2 => 'spfld-long-ma', (int) 3 => 'springfeild-ma', (int) 4 => 'brightwood-ma', (int) 5 => 'mass-mutual-life-ins-co-ma', (int) 6 => 'bay-state-w-tower-ma', (int) 7 => 'indian-orch-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'baystate-medical-ma', (int) 10 => 'longmeadow-ma' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '266', (int) 1 => '267', (int) 2 => '268', (int) 3 => '269', (int) 4 => '270', (int) 5 => '272', (int) 6 => '273', (int) 7 => '274', (int) 8 => '275', (int) 9 => '276', (int) 10 => '278', (int) 11 => '279', (int) 12 => '280', (int) 13 => '281', (int) 14 => '282', (int) 15 => '283', (int) 16 => '284', (int) 17 => '285', (int) 18 => '287', (int) 19 => '288', (int) 20 => '289', (int) 21 => '290', (int) 22 => '46323' ) ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 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 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/springfield-ma/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">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-hartford-ct-c35277.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-HARTFORD-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Hartford Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Hartford Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Hartford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-ellington-ct-c35487.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-ELLINGTON-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Ellington Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Ellington Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Ellington, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-south-windsor-ct-c35400.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CHARLES-N-ENES-COMMUNITY-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Charles N. Enes Community Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Charles N. Enes Community Center</p> <p class="loc">South Windsor, CT</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/springfield-ma/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> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <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">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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; 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} .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :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">Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 03/09/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit op-ed guest columns on issues pending before the West Virginia Legislature. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author's own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AARP.</i></b><br><br><br>———————————————————————-<br><br><br><br><b>Guest Column by Senate President Randy E. Smith</b><br><b>West Virginia State Senate</b><br><b>March 7, 2025</b><br><br><br>As our West Virginia State Senate President – and a senior citizen myself – I’m aware of the concerns that face our residents as they get older. I am deeply committed to ensuring that West Virginia remains a place where our senior citizens can thrive. Our generation has spent our lives working hard, raising families, building our communities, and strengthening the backbone of our state.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2d/27/17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a/d9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg" alt="D9_187_8048735_581038847_2.jpg" width="400" height="266" style="height: auto; max-width: 280px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">WV Senate President Randy E. Smith</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Will Price/WV Legislature</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>That’s why it’s important to continue to promote good, commonsense legislation that helps meet the needs of our seniors. I’ve heard from hundreds of you — at town halls, at the grocery store, or even through messages on Facebook — about the challenges you face: rising health care costs, inflation costing you more at the grocery store, and the need for better, more reliable high-speed internet to keep you connected.<br><br>These problems deserve real solutions, and that’s what we’re trying to deliver this session in Charleston. In addition to the work that our Finance Committees are doing on this year’s Budget Bill, there are many other pieces of legislation moving through the system with seniors in mind.<br><br>As a member who represents one of the most rural districts in the state, one of my top priorities is protecting and expanding access to quality health care. It’s critical to keep our ADW Waiver in our budget funded so that our residents can get care at home, where they are happiest. Not only is it the best option for families, it’s in most cases a more cost-effective option.<br><br>To go along with that, we’re also exploring ways to bolster caregiving support through a tax credit specifically designed for family caregivers. Although our state is facing a potentially difficult budget year, we recognize the dedication and hard work that family caregivers provide, and we want to support those efforts.<br><br>Keeping our seniors safe at home is critical, which is why the Legislature is looking at a number of bills that target scammers who look to exploit our seniors. We want to make sure there are guardrails in place to help prevent a scammer from being able to take a person’s life savings with a robocall. Scammers are getting smarter, and artificial intelligence is helping them. We need to stay a step ahead.<br><br>Finally, we’re working on issues that hurt those on a fixed income the hardest – especially rising utility bills and food costs. We realize that now more than ever, many grandparents are stepping into the role of raising their grandchildren and need a little help with the grocery bills, and we want to help as best we can.<br><br>I know we’ve got a long road ahead, but I will keep listening and fighting for all of us. Together, we can work to build a West Virginia that not only keeps your children and grandchildren here, but keeps you healthy and active enough to enjoy those years.<br><br>As always, my door is open. If you’ve got ideas, concerns, or just want to let me know what’s on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call my office at 304-357-7801, or drop by when you’re in the area. The work I do in Charleston is about you, and I’m honored to serve you every day.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP West Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank">AARP West Virginia</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://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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="/springfield-ma/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"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680edd02103be-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180250c4e268f7f8b6f1b', 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'W Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'w-springfield-ma' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'West Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'west-springfield-ma' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'East Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'east-longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Agawam', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'agawam-ma' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Chicopee', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'chicopee-ma' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Feeding Hills', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'feeding-hills-ma' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Indian Orchard', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'indian-orchard-ma' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Ludlow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'ludlow-ma' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Holyoke', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'holyoke-ma' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Westfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'westfield-ma' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Wilbraham', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'wilbraham-ma' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Suffield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'suffield-ct' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Enfield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'enfield-ct' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'w-springfield-ma', (int) 2 => 'longmeadow-ma', (int) 3 => 'west-springfield-ma', (int) 4 => 'east-longmeadow-ma', (int) 5 => 'agawam-ma', (int) 6 => 'chicopee-ma', (int) 7 => 'feeding-hills-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'ludlow-ma', (int) 10 => 'holyoke-ma', (int) 11 => 'westfield-ma', (int) 12 => 'wilbraham-ma', (int) 13 => 'suffield-ct', (int) 14 => 'enfield-ct', (int) 15 => 'hampden-ma', (int) 16 => 'somersville-ct', (int) 17 => 'west-suffield-ct', (int) 18 => 'southwick-ma', (int) 19 => 'somers-ct', (int) 20 => 'south-hadley-ma', (int) 21 => 'granby-ma', (int) 22 => 'southampton-ma', (int) 23 => 'three-rivers-ma', (int) 24 => 'easthampton-ma', (int) 25 => 'windsor-locks-ct' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'all', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state}', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-suburban', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => 'News from AARP', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'noindex, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => '{local_city_hl}-{local_state_l}-state', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Massachusetts', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Springfield', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/MA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGMA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Massachusetts', 'contactus_email' => 'MA@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/AARPMA', 'state_contract_id' => '56008', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/massachusetts.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5819664288001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-masachusetts-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ma-2020-08-18.html', 'State_Label' => 'Massachusetts'', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-massachusetts-ma-2021-02-05.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'boston-ma', 'instagram_link' => 'aarpmassachusetts', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Massachusetts.pdf', 'full_state' => 'Massachusetts', 'county' => 'Hampden', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -72.585098266602, (int) 1 => (float) 42.102600097656 ), 'latitude' => (float) 42.102600097656, 'longitude' => (float) -72.585098266602, 'city_state' => 'Springfield, MA', 'city_state_search' => 'Springfield MA,Spfld MA,SPFLD (LONG) MA,Springfeild MA', 'pilot_name' => 'Springfield', 'pilot_sef_url' => '', 'community_id' => (int) 0, 'community_name' => null, 'community_state' => null, 'community_region' => null, 'brightspot_region' => null, 'title' => 'Springfield, MA', 'subtitle' => '', 'tracking_code_town' => 'SPRINGFIELD', 'tracking_code_state' => 'MA', 'ad_state' => 'ma', 'ad_city' => 'springfield', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '01101', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/springfield-ma/', 'alt_names' => 'Springfield,Spfld,SPFLD (LONG),Springfeild', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '01101', (int) 1 => '01102', (int) 2 => '01103', (int) 3 => '01104', (int) 4 => '01105', (int) 5 => '01106', (int) 6 => '01107', (int) 7 => '01108', (int) 8 => '01109', (int) 9 => '01111', (int) 10 => '01115', (int) 11 => '01118', (int) 12 => '01119', (int) 13 => '01128', (int) 14 => '01129', (int) 15 => '01133', (int) 16 => '01138', (int) 17 => '01139', (int) 18 => '01144', (int) 19 => '01151', (int) 20 => '01152', (int) 21 => '01195', (int) 22 => '01199' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'spfld-ma', (int) 2 => 'spfld-long-ma', (int) 3 => 'springfeild-ma', (int) 4 => 'brightwood-ma', (int) 5 => 'mass-mutual-life-ins-co-ma', (int) 6 => 'bay-state-w-tower-ma', (int) 7 => 'indian-orch-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'baystate-medical-ma', (int) 10 => 'longmeadow-ma' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '266', (int) 1 => '267', (int) 2 => '268', (int) 3 => '269', (int) 4 => '270', (int) 5 => '272', (int) 6 => '273', (int) 7 => '274', (int) 8 => '275', (int) 9 => '276', (int) 10 => '278', (int) 11 => '279', (int) 12 => '280', (int) 13 => '281', (int) 14 => '282', (int) 15 => '283', (int) 16 => '284', (int) 17 => '285', (int) 18 => '287', (int) 19 => '288', (int) 20 => '289', (int) 21 => '290', (int) 22 => '46323' ) ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 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 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/springfield-ma/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">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-hartford-ct-c35277.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-HARTFORD-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Hartford Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Hartford Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Hartford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-ellington-ct-c35487.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-ELLINGTON-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Ellington Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Ellington Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Ellington, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-south-windsor-ct-c35400.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CHARLES-N-ENES-COMMUNITY-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Charles N. Enes Community Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Charles N. Enes Community Center</p> <p class="loc">South Windsor, CT</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/springfield-ma/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> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <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">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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; 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"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">Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 03/09/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit op-ed guest columns on issues pending before the West Virginia Legislature. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author's own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AARP.</i></b><br><br><br>———————————————————————-<br><br><br><br><b>Guest Column by Senate President Randy E. Smith</b><br><b>West Virginia State Senate</b><br><b>March 7, 2025</b><br><br><br>As our West Virginia State Senate President – and a senior citizen myself – I’m aware of the concerns that face our residents as they get older. I am deeply committed to ensuring that West Virginia remains a place where our senior citizens can thrive. Our generation has spent our lives working hard, raising families, building our communities, and strengthening the backbone of our state.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2d/27/17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a/d9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg" alt="D9_187_8048735_581038847_2.jpg" width="400" height="266" style="height: auto; max-width: 280px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">WV Senate President Randy E. Smith</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Will Price/WV Legislature</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>That’s why it’s important to continue to promote good, commonsense legislation that helps meet the needs of our seniors. I’ve heard from hundreds of you — at town halls, at the grocery store, or even through messages on Facebook — about the challenges you face: rising health care costs, inflation costing you more at the grocery store, and the need for better, more reliable high-speed internet to keep you connected.<br><br>These problems deserve real solutions, and that’s what we’re trying to deliver this session in Charleston. In addition to the work that our Finance Committees are doing on this year’s Budget Bill, there are many other pieces of legislation moving through the system with seniors in mind.<br><br>As a member who represents one of the most rural districts in the state, one of my top priorities is protecting and expanding access to quality health care. It’s critical to keep our ADW Waiver in our budget funded so that our residents can get care at home, where they are happiest. Not only is it the best option for families, it’s in most cases a more cost-effective option.<br><br>To go along with that, we’re also exploring ways to bolster caregiving support through a tax credit specifically designed for family caregivers. Although our state is facing a potentially difficult budget year, we recognize the dedication and hard work that family caregivers provide, and we want to support those efforts.<br><br>Keeping our seniors safe at home is critical, which is why the Legislature is looking at a number of bills that target scammers who look to exploit our seniors. We want to make sure there are guardrails in place to help prevent a scammer from being able to take a person’s life savings with a robocall. Scammers are getting smarter, and artificial intelligence is helping them. We need to stay a step ahead.<br><br>Finally, we’re working on issues that hurt those on a fixed income the hardest – especially rising utility bills and food costs. We realize that now more than ever, many grandparents are stepping into the role of raising their grandchildren and need a little help with the grocery bills, and we want to help as best we can.<br><br>I know we’ve got a long road ahead, but I will keep listening and fighting for all of us. Together, we can work to build a West Virginia that not only keeps your children and grandchildren here, but keeps you healthy and active enough to enjoy those years.<br><br>As always, my door is open. If you’ve got ideas, concerns, or just want to let me know what’s on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call my office at 304-357-7801, or drop by when you’re in the area. The work I do in Charleston is about you, and I’m honored to serve you every day.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP West Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank">AARP West Virginia</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://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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="/springfield-ma/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"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680edd02103be-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180250c4e268f7f8b6f1b', 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'W Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'w-springfield-ma' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'West Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'west-springfield-ma' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'East Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'east-longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Agawam', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'agawam-ma' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Chicopee', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'chicopee-ma' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Feeding Hills', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'feeding-hills-ma' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Indian Orchard', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'indian-orchard-ma' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Ludlow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'ludlow-ma' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Holyoke', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'holyoke-ma' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Westfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'westfield-ma' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Wilbraham', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'wilbraham-ma' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Suffield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'suffield-ct' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Enfield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'enfield-ct' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'w-springfield-ma', (int) 2 => 'longmeadow-ma', (int) 3 => 'west-springfield-ma', (int) 4 => 'east-longmeadow-ma', (int) 5 => 'agawam-ma', (int) 6 => 'chicopee-ma', (int) 7 => 'feeding-hills-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'ludlow-ma', (int) 10 => 'holyoke-ma', (int) 11 => 'westfield-ma', (int) 12 => 'wilbraham-ma', (int) 13 => 'suffield-ct', (int) 14 => 'enfield-ct', (int) 15 => 'hampden-ma', (int) 16 => 'somersville-ct', (int) 17 => 'west-suffield-ct', (int) 18 => 'southwick-ma', (int) 19 => 'somers-ct', (int) 20 => 'south-hadley-ma', (int) 21 => 'granby-ma', (int) 22 => 'southampton-ma', (int) 23 => 'three-rivers-ma', (int) 24 => 'easthampton-ma', (int) 25 => 'windsor-locks-ct' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'all', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state}', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-suburban', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => 'News from AARP', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'noindex, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => '{local_city_hl}-{local_state_l}-state', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Massachusetts', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Springfield', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 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'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/massachusetts.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5819664288001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-masachusetts-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ma-2020-08-18.html', 'State_Label' => 'Massachusetts'', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-massachusetts-ma-2021-02-05.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'boston-ma', 'instagram_link' => 'aarpmassachusetts', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Massachusetts.pdf', 'full_state' => 'Massachusetts', 'county' => 'Hampden', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -72.585098266602, (int) 1 => (float) 42.102600097656 ), 'latitude' => (float) 42.102600097656, 'longitude' => (float) -72.585098266602, 'city_state' => 'Springfield, MA', 'city_state_search' => 'Springfield MA,Spfld MA,SPFLD (LONG) MA,Springfeild MA', 'pilot_name' => 'Springfield', 'pilot_sef_url' => '', 'community_id' => (int) 0, 'community_name' => null, 'community_state' => null, 'community_region' => null, 'brightspot_region' => null, 'title' => 'Springfield, MA', 'subtitle' => '', 'tracking_code_town' => 'SPRINGFIELD', 'tracking_code_state' => 'MA', 'ad_state' => 'ma', 'ad_city' => 'springfield', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '01101', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/springfield-ma/', 'alt_names' => 'Springfield,Spfld,SPFLD (LONG),Springfeild', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '01101', (int) 1 => '01102', (int) 2 => '01103', (int) 3 => '01104', (int) 4 => '01105', (int) 5 => '01106', (int) 6 => '01107', (int) 7 => '01108', (int) 8 => '01109', (int) 9 => '01111', (int) 10 => '01115', (int) 11 => '01118', (int) 12 => '01119', (int) 13 => '01128', (int) 14 => '01129', (int) 15 => '01133', (int) 16 => '01138', (int) 17 => '01139', (int) 18 => '01144', (int) 19 => '01151', (int) 20 => '01152', (int) 21 => '01195', (int) 22 => '01199' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'spfld-ma', (int) 2 => 'spfld-long-ma', (int) 3 => 'springfeild-ma', (int) 4 => 'brightwood-ma', (int) 5 => 'mass-mutual-life-ins-co-ma', (int) 6 => 'bay-state-w-tower-ma', (int) 7 => 'indian-orch-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'baystate-medical-ma', (int) 10 => 'longmeadow-ma' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '266', (int) 1 => '267', (int) 2 => '268', (int) 3 => '269', (int) 4 => '270', (int) 5 => '272', (int) 6 => '273', (int) 7 => '274', (int) 8 => '275', (int) 9 => '276', (int) 10 => '278', (int) 11 => '279', (int) 12 => '280', (int) 13 => '281', (int) 14 => '282', (int) 15 => '283', (int) 16 => '284', (int) 17 => '285', (int) 18 => '287', (int) 19 => '288', (int) 20 => '289', (int) 21 => '290', (int) 22 => '46323' ) ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 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 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/springfield-ma/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">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-hartford-ct-c35277.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-HARTFORD-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Hartford Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Hartford Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Hartford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-ellington-ct-c35487.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-ELLINGTON-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Ellington Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Ellington Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Ellington, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-south-windsor-ct-c35400.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CHARLES-N-ENES-COMMUNITY-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Charles N. Enes Community Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Charles N. Enes Community Center</p> <p class="loc">South Windsor, CT</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/springfield-ma/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> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <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">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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 Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</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:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@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/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</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/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit" name="description"/> <meta content="Guest, Column, Addressing, Challenges, Needs, of, West, Virginians, 50, Plus" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/guest-column-addressing-the-challenges-and-needs-of-west-virginians-50-plus" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/guest-column-addressing-the-challenges-and-needs-of-west-virginians-50plus-wv-2025-03-09.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Senate President Randy Smith outlines legislative priorities aimed at helping older West Virginians"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8acedd6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/400x257+0+4/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F2d%2F27%2F17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a%2Fd9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Senate President Randy Smith outlines legislative priorities aimed at helping older West Virginians"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8acedd6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/400x257+0+4/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F2d%2F27%2F17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a%2Fd9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; 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--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">Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 03/09/25 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p><b><i>As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit op-ed guest columns on issues pending before the West Virginia Legislature. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author's own, and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AARP.</i></b><br><br><br>———————————————————————-<br><br><br><br><b>Guest Column by Senate President Randy E. Smith</b><br><b>West Virginia State Senate</b><br><b>March 7, 2025</b><br><br><br>As our West Virginia State Senate President – and a senior citizen myself – I’m aware of the concerns that face our residents as they get older. I am deeply committed to ensuring that West Virginia remains a place where our senior citizens can thrive. Our generation has spent our lives working hard, raising families, building our communities, and strengthening the backbone of our state.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/2d/27/17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a/d9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg" alt="D9_187_8048735_581038847_2.jpg" width="400" height="266" style="height: auto; max-width: 280px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">WV Senate President Randy E. Smith</figcaption> <div class="Figure-credit">Will Price/WV Legislature</div> </figure> </div> </div><p>That’s why it’s important to continue to promote good, commonsense legislation that helps meet the needs of our seniors. I’ve heard from hundreds of you — at town halls, at the grocery store, or even through messages on Facebook — about the challenges you face: rising health care costs, inflation costing you more at the grocery store, and the need for better, more reliable high-speed internet to keep you connected.<br><br>These problems deserve real solutions, and that’s what we’re trying to deliver this session in Charleston. In addition to the work that our Finance Committees are doing on this year’s Budget Bill, there are many other pieces of legislation moving through the system with seniors in mind.<br><br>As a member who represents one of the most rural districts in the state, one of my top priorities is protecting and expanding access to quality health care. It’s critical to keep our ADW Waiver in our budget funded so that our residents can get care at home, where they are happiest. Not only is it the best option for families, it’s in most cases a more cost-effective option.<br><br>To go along with that, we’re also exploring ways to bolster caregiving support through a tax credit specifically designed for family caregivers. Although our state is facing a potentially difficult budget year, we recognize the dedication and hard work that family caregivers provide, and we want to support those efforts.<br><br>Keeping our seniors safe at home is critical, which is why the Legislature is looking at a number of bills that target scammers who look to exploit our seniors. We want to make sure there are guardrails in place to help prevent a scammer from being able to take a person’s life savings with a robocall. Scammers are getting smarter, and artificial intelligence is helping them. We need to stay a step ahead.<br><br>Finally, we’re working on issues that hurt those on a fixed income the hardest – especially rising utility bills and food costs. We realize that now more than ever, many grandparents are stepping into the role of raising their grandchildren and need a little help with the grocery bills, and we want to help as best we can.<br><br>I know we’ve got a long road ahead, but I will keep listening and fighting for all of us. Together, we can work to build a West Virginia that not only keeps your children and grandchildren here, but keeps you healthy and active enough to enjoy those years.<br><br>As always, my door is open. If you’ve got ideas, concerns, or just want to let me know what’s on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call my office at 304-357-7801, or drop by when you’re in the area. The work I do in Charleston is about you, and I’m honored to serve you every day.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP West Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/west-virginia/" target="_blank">AARP West Virginia</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://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <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="/springfield-ma/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"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680edd02103be-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680edd02103be-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680edd02103be-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '576180250c4e268f7f8b6f1b', 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'W Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'w-springfield-ma' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'West Springfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'west-springfield-ma' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'East Longmeadow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'east-longmeadow-ma' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Agawam', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'agawam-ma' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Chicopee', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'chicopee-ma' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Feeding Hills', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'feeding-hills-ma' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Indian Orchard', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'indian-orchard-ma' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Ludlow', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'ludlow-ma' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Holyoke', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'holyoke-ma' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Westfield', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'westfield-ma' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Wilbraham', 'state' => 'MA', 'sef_url' => 'wilbraham-ma' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Suffield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'suffield-ct' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Enfield', 'state' => 'CT', 'sef_url' => 'enfield-ct' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'w-springfield-ma', (int) 2 => 'longmeadow-ma', (int) 3 => 'west-springfield-ma', (int) 4 => 'east-longmeadow-ma', (int) 5 => 'agawam-ma', (int) 6 => 'chicopee-ma', (int) 7 => 'feeding-hills-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'ludlow-ma', (int) 10 => 'holyoke-ma', (int) 11 => 'westfield-ma', (int) 12 => 'wilbraham-ma', (int) 13 => 'suffield-ct', (int) 14 => 'enfield-ct', (int) 15 => 'hampden-ma', (int) 16 => 'somersville-ct', (int) 17 => 'west-suffield-ct', (int) 18 => 'southwick-ma', (int) 19 => 'somers-ct', (int) 20 => 'south-hadley-ma', (int) 21 => 'granby-ma', (int) 22 => 'southampton-ma', (int) 23 => 'three-rivers-ma', (int) 24 => 'easthampton-ma', (int) 25 => 'windsor-locks-ct' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'all', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state}', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-cool-c', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-suburban', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => 'News from AARP', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/hiking4.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/hiking4-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'noindex, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => '{local_city_hl}-{local_state_l}-state', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Massachusetts', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Springfield', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/MA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGMA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Massachusetts', 'contactus_email' => 'MA@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/AARPMA', 'state_contract_id' => '56008', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/massachusetts.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5819664288001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-masachusetts-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ma-2020-08-18.html', 'State_Label' => 'Massachusetts'', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-massachusetts-ma-2021-02-05.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'boston-ma', 'instagram_link' => 'aarpmassachusetts', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Massachusetts.pdf', 'full_state' => 'Massachusetts', 'county' => 'Hampden', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -72.585098266602, (int) 1 => (float) 42.102600097656 ), 'latitude' => (float) 42.102600097656, 'longitude' => (float) -72.585098266602, 'city_state' => 'Springfield, MA', 'city_state_search' => 'Springfield MA,Spfld MA,SPFLD (LONG) MA,Springfeild MA', 'pilot_name' => 'Springfield', 'pilot_sef_url' => '', 'community_id' => (int) 0, 'community_name' => null, 'community_state' => null, 'community_region' => null, 'brightspot_region' => null, 'title' => 'Springfield, MA', 'subtitle' => '', 'tracking_code_town' => 'SPRINGFIELD', 'tracking_code_state' => 'MA', 'ad_state' => 'ma', 'ad_city' => 'springfield', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/New_York', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '01101', 'sef_url' => 'springfield-ma', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/springfield-ma/', 'alt_names' => 'Springfield,Spfld,SPFLD (LONG),Springfeild', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '01101', (int) 1 => '01102', (int) 2 => '01103', (int) 3 => '01104', (int) 4 => '01105', (int) 5 => '01106', (int) 6 => '01107', (int) 7 => '01108', (int) 8 => '01109', (int) 9 => '01111', (int) 10 => '01115', (int) 11 => '01118', (int) 12 => '01119', (int) 13 => '01128', (int) 14 => '01129', (int) 15 => '01133', (int) 16 => '01138', (int) 17 => '01139', (int) 18 => '01144', (int) 19 => '01151', (int) 20 => '01152', (int) 21 => '01195', (int) 22 => '01199' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'springfield-ma', (int) 1 => 'spfld-ma', (int) 2 => 'spfld-long-ma', (int) 3 => 'springfeild-ma', (int) 4 => 'brightwood-ma', (int) 5 => 'mass-mutual-life-ins-co-ma', (int) 6 => 'bay-state-w-tower-ma', (int) 7 => 'indian-orch-ma', (int) 8 => 'indian-orchard-ma', (int) 9 => 'baystate-medical-ma', (int) 10 => 'longmeadow-ma' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '266', (int) 1 => '267', (int) 2 => '268', (int) 3 => '269', (int) 4 => '270', (int) 5 => '272', (int) 6 => '273', (int) 7 => '274', (int) 8 => '275', (int) 9 => '276', (int) 10 => '278', (int) 11 => '279', (int) 12 => '280', (int) 13 => '281', (int) 14 => '282', (int) 15 => '283', (int) 16 => '284', (int) 17 => '285', (int) 18 => '287', (int) 19 => '288', (int) 20 => '289', (int) 21 => '290', (int) 22 => '46323' ) ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 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 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/springfield-ma/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">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Springfield</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-hartford-ct-c35277.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-WEST-HARTFORD-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: West Hartford Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">West Hartford Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">West Hartford, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-ellington-ct-c35487.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-ELLINGTON-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Ellington Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Ellington Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Ellington, CT</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-south-windsor-ct-c35400.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-CHARLES-N-ENES-COMMUNITY-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Charles N. Enes Community Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Apr 30, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Charles N. Enes Community Center</p> <p class="loc">South Windsor, CT</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/springfield-ma/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> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <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">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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-SPRINGFIELD-MA">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 Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</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:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@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/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</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/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></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>Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="As we have in past legislative sessions, AARP West Virginia is providing an opportunity for our state elected officials and legislative leaders to submit" name="description"/> <meta content="Guest, Column, Addressing, Challenges, Needs, of, West, Virginians, 50, Plus" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/west-virginia/guest-column-addressing-the-challenges-and-needs-of-west-virginians-50-plus" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/guest-column-addressing-the-challenges-and-needs-of-west-virginians-50plus-wv-2025-03-09.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Senate President Randy Smith outlines legislative priorities aimed at helping older West Virginians"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8acedd6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/400x257+0+4/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F2d%2F27%2F17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a%2Fd9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Guest Column: Addressing the Challenges and Needs of West Virginians 50-Plus"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Senate President Randy Smith outlines legislative priorities aimed at helping older West Virginians"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8acedd6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/400x257+0+4/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F2d%2F27%2F17432fe7492c90a6ac88bb19433a%2Fd9-187-8048735-581038847-2.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :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 = '240925' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '/* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :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="/springfield-ma/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Springfield, MA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Home</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">State & Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep d-none " 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="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/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="/springfield-ma/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