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$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">Two AARP Michigan Volunteers Recognized as Senior Citizens of the Year</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/31/21 by <b>Melissa Preddy</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two AARP volunteers, Gloria Kovnot and Brenda Surae Eaton, were recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging & Adult Services Agency in May as Senior Citizens of the Year. The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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} </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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$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">Two AARP Michigan Volunteers Recognized as Senior Citizens of the Year</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/31/21 by <b>Melissa Preddy</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two AARP volunteers, Gloria Kovnot and Brenda Surae Eaton, were recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging & Adult Services Agency in May as Senior Citizens of the Year. The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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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The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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} </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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$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">Two AARP Michigan Volunteers Recognized as Senior Citizens of the Year</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/31/21 by <b>Melissa Preddy</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two AARP volunteers, Gloria Kovnot and Brenda Surae Eaton, were recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging & Adult Services Agency in May as Senior Citizens of the Year. The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139f347-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139f347-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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} </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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$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">Two AARP Michigan Volunteers Recognized as Senior Citizens of the Year</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/31/21 by <b>Melissa Preddy</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two AARP volunteers, Gloria Kovnot and Brenda Surae Eaton, were recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging & Adult Services Agency in May as Senior Citizens of the Year. The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139f347-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139f347-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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} </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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Two AARP volunteers, Gloria Kovnot and Brenda Surae Eaton, were recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging & Adult Services Agency in May as Senior Citizens of the Year. The annual award is given to leading community activists.
For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager.
“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force.
“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.
Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues.
“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.”
She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden.
Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy.
“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”
Giving back
In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront.
Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy.
“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”
Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan.
“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.”
These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state.
Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person.
To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at apalmer@aarp.org or call 866-227-7448.
Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.
For More on Volunteering
This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the AARP Michigan page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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$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">Two AARP Michigan Volunteers Recognized as Senior Citizens of the Year</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/31/21 by <b>Melissa Preddy</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two AARP volunteers, Gloria Kovnot and Brenda Surae Eaton, were recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging & Adult Services Agency in May as Senior Citizens of the Year. The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139e4f1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139f347-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139f347-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139f347-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139f347-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$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">Two AARP Michigan Volunteers Recognized as Senior Citizens of the Year</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/31/21 by <b>Melissa Preddy</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two AARP volunteers, Gloria Kovnot and Brenda Surae Eaton, were recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging & Adult Services Agency in May as Senior Citizens of the Year. The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139f347-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139f347-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139e4f1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139f347-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139f347-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$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">Two AARP Michigan Volunteers Recognized as Senior Citizens of the Year</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/31/21 by <b>Melissa Preddy</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two AARP volunteers, Gloria Kovnot and Brenda Surae Eaton, were recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging & Adult Services Agency in May as Senior Citizens of the Year. The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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} </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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139e4f1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139f347-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139f347-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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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
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$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">Two AARP Michigan Volunteers Recognized as Senior Citizens of the Year</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/31/21 by <b>Melissa Preddy</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two AARP volunteers, Gloria Kovnot and Brenda Surae Eaton, were recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging & Adult Services Agency in May as Senior Citizens of the Year. The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139e4f1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139f347-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139f347-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Two AARP Michigan Volunteers Recognized as Senior Citizens of the Year</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Two AARP Michigan Volunteers Recognized as Senior Citizens of the Year"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Two AARP volunteers, Gloria Kovnot and Brenda Surae Eaton, were recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging & Adult Services" name="description"/> <meta content="Two, AARP, Michigan, Volunteers, Recognized, as, Senior, Citizens, of, Year" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/michigan/michigan-department-of-health-recognizes-aarp-volunteers" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/two-aarp-michigan-volunteers-recognized-as-senior-citizens-of-the-year-mi-2021-10-31.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Two AARP Michigan Volunteers Recognized as Senior Citizens of the Year"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Two AARP volunteers, Gloria Kovnot and Brenda Surae Eaton, were recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging & Adult Services"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/82e8974/2147483647/strip/true/crop/274x176+0+4/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F39%2F43%2F528e1269ca5e64441256f71764ed%2Fmichigan-capitol-bldg3.bmp"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Two AARP Michigan Volunteers Recognized as Senior Citizens of the Year"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Two AARP volunteers, Gloria Kovnot and Brenda Surae Eaton, were recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging & Adult Services"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/82e8974/2147483647/strip/true/crop/274x176+0+4/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F39%2F43%2F528e1269ca5e64441256f71764ed%2Fmichigan-capitol-bldg3.bmp"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; 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The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139f347-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139f347-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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$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">Two AARP Michigan Volunteers Recognized as Senior Citizens of the Year</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/31/21 by <b>Melissa Preddy</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two AARP volunteers, Gloria Kovnot and Brenda Surae Eaton, were recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging & Adult Services Agency in May as Senior Citizens of the Year. The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139f347-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139f347-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139e4f1-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139f347-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139f347-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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$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">Two AARP Michigan Volunteers Recognized as Senior Citizens of the Year</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 10/31/21 by <b>Melissa Preddy</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two AARP volunteers, Gloria Kovnot and Brenda Surae Eaton, were recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Aging & Adult Services Agency in May as Senior Citizens of the Year. The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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The annual award is given to leading community activists. <br><br>For Kovnot, 78, her service began more than 60 years ago, when she was a candy striper as a teenager. <br><br>“I think we have an obligation to help if we can,” said the Dimondale resident, who founded her township’s senior council and championed creation of Ingham County’s meal-delivery and other in-home services. She also lends her time to the Tri-County Office on Aging, the Michigan State University AgeAlive program and the local AARP Age-Friendly Task Force. <br><br>“I always get more out of it than I give,” Kovnot says.<br><br>Fellow AARP member Eaton, a retired primary care physician from Lansing, is another lifelong volunteer. She found spare time during her busy working years to lead wellness seminars at churches and neighborhood venues. <br><br>“Health care is my passion,” says Eaton, 72, whose activities in retirement include presenting at AARP diabetes seminars, serving in her church’s health ministry and volunteering at a food pantry. “My mother raised me to give back to the community through service.” <br><br>She’s looking ahead to a new project with the Metro Lansing Poor People’s Campaign, a social justice group that aims to turn a donated middle school into a resource center with a medical clinic and garden. <br><br>Eaton also chairs the seniors work group of the Protect Michigan Commission, an advisory group charged with developing outreach strategies to relay accurate COVID-19 information to communities that have vaccine hesitancy. <br><br>“Our agency is honored to celebrate the work of these two remarkable women,” said Scott Wamsley, acting senior deputy director for the state’s Aging & Adult Services Agency. “Their stories will undoubtedly inspire others, and hopefully encourage people to serve and to seek out ways to make a positive difference in their communities.”<br><br><b>Giving back</b><br><br>In another nod to the impact of AARP volunteers, Joy Murphy, of Kentwood, was tapped to serve on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s (D) Commission on Services to the Aging, where she will help approve grants and ensure that state agencies and budgets keep the interests of older residents at the forefront. <br><br>Murphy, 71, is a longtime AARP Michigan advocate with a passion for public policy. <br><br>“As an AARP volunteer, I have a working relationship with my legislators—being aware of what’s going on, making phone calls,” she says. “I’ve always been very interested in the process, so this is extremely exciting.”<br><br>Murphy is known to “show up at the state capitol with her ‘AARP red’ on,” says Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director for AARP Michigan. <br><br>“She’s one of our leading volunteers, with so many talents,” says Feuerstein. “She onboards new volunteers, does presentations on various topics and contributes in many other ways.” <br><br>These exemplary contributors are just a few of the more than 260 individuals who keep AARP activities running throughout the state. <br><br>Interested in becoming a volunteer? There is no minimum level of commitment, training is provided, and opportunities are tailored to each person’s personal preference and schedule. There are activities that can be done both virtually and in person. <br><br>To learn more, contact Andrea Palmer at <span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:apalmer@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">apalmer@aarp.org</a></span></span> or call 866-227-7448. <br><br><i>Melissa Preddy is a writer living in Plymouth, Michigan.</i><br><br><b>For More on Volunteering</b></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><span class="VideoEnhancement" data-video-disable-history data-embeddedvideo-container> <div class="VideoEnhancement-player"><div class="BrightcoveVideoPlayer" data-video-player data-module data-player-id="KM9xJAJa4" data-video-id="5768275466001" data-video-title="Get to know AARP Michigan" data-account-id="3772599298001" data-aspect-ratio="4x3" > <iframe src="https://players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/KM9xJAJa4_default/index.html?videoId=5768275466001" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen width="300" height="168" allow="autoplay" > </iframe> </div></div> <div class="VideoEnhancement-title">Get to know AARP Michigan</div> </span> </div> </div><p></p><ul><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=AE-VOL-BB-LL2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interested in Virtual Volunteering?</a></span></span></li><li><span class="Enhancement"><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://createthegood.aarp.org/?intcmp=AE-VOL-CLG-CTG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Search for Opportunities to Volunteer in Your Community</a></span></span></li></ul></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/south-willington-ct/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-ct-webinar-wednesdays-islam-101-beliefs-and-practices-71024-j8n7t8gq5ph.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ISLAM-101-BELIEFS-AND-PRACTICES">Islam 101: Beliefs and Practices</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/south-willington-ct/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139e4f1-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c65139f347-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c65139f347-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c65139f347-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT">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 Connecticut Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Connecticut Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Connecticut</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:CTAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTAARP@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/connecticut/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Connecticut</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/aarp-connecticut/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SOUTHWILLINGTON-CT" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCT" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); 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