Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia
Posted on 04/14/25
by Evan Jones
“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as an AARP Virginia volunteer. Those she has helped include scores of recent volunteers and many older Americans seeking assistance with their tax returns.
Claudia’s career began in education, teaching for 10 years at the secondary school and college levels. She then switched to financial management, ultimately leading various teams in undertakings that included customer service, operations, product development and business development.
Those differing lines of work have served her well with AARP. Claudia had already been a member for some time when she retired in 2019, so when she set her sights on volunteering 20 months later, she immediately thought of AARP.
“I said ‘life is too short, I really need to think about doing something else,’ because I thought I had skills that could be helpful to other people. I looked for roles that enable me to do these kinds of things, and I could meet new people.”
Since then, she has met plenty of new people. After Claudia went on line to apply, AARP Virginia took note of her background in teaching and technology and asked if she would be willing to become a “portal champion.” It wasn’t long before she was contacting and screening many potential AARP volunteers. By the organization’s count, in 2023 alone, her efforts led to the addition of 83 new Virginia volunteers, helping them both in the screening process and in understanding and navigating the volunteer portal.
“That appealed to me very much,” she said, “because I like to help people find things they can be good at; maybe in some cases they didn’t even know they had (a particular) skill. And it’s a great way to help people find something that they enjoy doing that also obviously benefits the organization.”
AARP Virginia leaders say the benefits are indeed obvious — and they now reach the national level as Claudia provides virtual and in-person portal training for the organization’s volunteers and staff across the country. State Program Specialist Timothy Bothe said it is difficult to overstate her contributions.
“Claudia Eckels has been an exemplary volunteer for AARP Virginia, demonstrating unwavering dedication across numerous vital programs,” he said.
That unwavering dedication later took her in an additional direction: tax assistance. Claudia said the training was a “heavy lift,” but helping older Americans navigate their way through IRS tax returns has its own rewards.
“You essentially open up ways for them to understand their own finances better. They don’t become tax experts, nor do they want to, but a lot of them will end saying ‘I understand so much better now what’s going on. I don’t to do my own taxes, but I really appreciate the fact that you explained this to me in a simple way,’” Claudia said. “I love the ability to help people, mentor them, maybe demystify something that seems like it’s a really complicated process.”
If all that is not enough, Claudia Eckels is also a member of AARP Virginia’s Executive Council where she pays particular attention to enabling volunteers and helping them become more effective. For all these contributions and more, AARP Virginia honored Claudia with its 2024 State President's Award. Bothe said she is a most deserving recipient.
“Her multifaceted involvement underscores her profound impact on AARP Virginia and the communities it serves,” Bothe said.
As for Claudia, she said helping others by volunteering with AARP has made her own life better.
“My husband looked at me one day and said ‘there’s something new about you, a sudden spring in your step that hasn’t been there for a while.’ I get that same feedback from my family and other people that I meet. It’s made me so much more socially aware and active. I didn’t realize just how great that need was until I started getting more involved. It’s also made me a happier person.”
See how far your volunteering can take you. Apply today at www.aarp.org/volunteer.
This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the AARP Virginia page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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'town', 'zip' => '50301', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/des-moines-ia/', 'alt_names' => 'Des Moines,Des Miones,Des Monies,DesMiones,DesMoines', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '50301', (int) 1 => '50302', (int) 2 => '50303', (int) 3 => '50304', (int) 4 => '50305', (int) 5 => '50306', (int) 6 => '50307', (int) 7 => '50308', (int) 8 => '50309', (int) 9 => '50310', (int) 10 => '50311', (int) 11 => '50312', (int) 12 => '50313', (int) 13 => '50314', (int) 14 => '50315', (int) 15 => '50316', (int) 16 => '50317', (int) 17 => '50318', (int) 18 => '50319', (int) 19 => '50320', (int) 20 => '50321', (int) 21 => '50322', (int) 22 => '50323', (int) 23 => '50324', (int) 24 => '50325', (int) 25 => '50327', (int) 26 => '50328', (int) 27 => '50329', (int) 28 => '50330', (int) 29 => '50331', (int) 30 => '50332', (int) 31 => '50333', (int) 32 => '50334', (int) 33 => '50335', (int) 34 => '50336', (int) 35 => '50338', (int) 36 => '50339', (int) 37 => '50340', (int) 38 => '50347', (int) 39 => '50350', (int) 40 => '50359', (int) 41 => '50360', (int) 42 => '50361', (int) 43 => '50362', (int) 44 => '50363', (int) 45 => '50364', (int) 46 => '50367', (int) 47 => '50368', (int) 48 => '50369', (int) 49 => '50380', (int) 50 => '50381', (int) 51 => '50391', (int) 52 => '50392', (int) 53 => '50393', (int) 54 => '50394', (int) 55 => '50395', (int) 56 => '50396', (int) 57 => '50397', (int) 58 => '50936', (int) 59 => '50940', (int) 60 => '50947', (int) 61 => '50950', (int) 62 => '50980', (int) 63 => '50981', (int) 64 => '50982', (int) 65 => '50983' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'des-miones-ia', (int) 2 => 'des-monies-ia', (int) 3 => 'desmiones-ia', (int) 4 => 'desmoines-ia', (int) 5 => 'beaverdale-ia', (int) 6 => 'highland-park-ia', (int) 7 => 'marquisville-ia', (int) 8 => 'saydel-ia', (int) 9 => 'saylorville-ia', (int) 10 => 'south-des-moines-ia', (int) 11 => 'capital-heights-ia', (int) 12 => 'carbondale-ia', (int) 13 => 'norwoodville-ia', (int) 14 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 15 => 'risingsun-ia', (int) 16 => 'state-of-iowa-ia', (int) 17 => 'wells-fargo-mortgage-ia', (int) 18 => 'visa-mastercard-ia', (int) 19 => 'american-republic-ia', (int) 20 => 'midamerican-energy-ia', (int) 21 => 'equitable-life-assurance-ia', (int) 22 => 'communications-data-service-ia', (int) 23 => 'citigroup-ia', (int) 24 => 'citigroup-brm-ia', (int) 25 => 'hp-other-ia', (int) 26 => 'allied-group-ia', (int) 27 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 28 => 'principal-financial-ia', (int) 29 => 'usps-bmc-ia', (int) 30 => 'first-interstate-bank-ia', (int) 31 => 'hp-proactive-ia', (int) 32 => 'boone-ia', (int) 33 => 'hp-sc-ye-ia', (int) 34 => 'clive-ia', (int) 35 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 36 => 'windsor-hts-ia', (int) 37 => 'hp-enterprise-services-ia' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '22174', (int) 1 => '22175', (int) 2 => '22176', (int) 3 => '22177', (int) 4 => '22178', (int) 5 => '22179', (int) 6 => '22180', (int) 7 => '22181', (int) 8 => '22182', (int) 9 => '22183', (int) 10 => '22184', (int) 11 => '22185', (int) 12 => '22186', (int) 13 => '22187', (int) 14 => '22188', (int) 15 => '22189', (int) 16 => '22190', (int) 17 => '22191', (int) 18 => '22192', (int) 19 => '22193', (int) 20 => '22194', (int) 21 => '22198', (int) 22 => '22199', (int) 23 => '22200', (int) 24 => '22201', (int) 25 => '22202', (int) 26 => '22203', (int) 27 => '22204', (int) 28 => '22205', (int) 29 => '22206', (int) 30 => '22207', (int) 31 => '22208', (int) 32 => '22209', (int) 33 => '22210', (int) 34 => '22211', (int) 35 => '22212', (int) 36 => '22213', (int) 37 => '22214', (int) 38 => '22215', (int) 39 => '22216', (int) 40 => '22217', (int) 41 => '22218', (int) 42 => '22219', (int) 43 => '22220', (int) 44 => '22221', (int) 45 => '22222', (int) 46 => '22223', (int) 47 => '22224', (int) 48 => '22225', (int) 49 => '22226', (int) 50 => '22227', (int) 51 => '22228', (int) 52 => '22229', (int) 53 => '22230', (int) 54 => '22468', (int) 55 => '22469', (int) 56 => '22470', (int) 57 => '22471', (int) 58 => '22472', (int) 59 => '22473', (int) 60 => '47056', (int) 61 => '47057', (int) 62 => '47059', (int) 63 => '47060', (int) 64 => '49166', (int) 65 => '49167' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'ia-des-moines' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
AARP Events for Des Moines
AARP Events for Des Moines
-
AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25
Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT
Online Event
-
AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25
Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT
Online Event
-
AARP Live: Ask Me Anything – Fraud Edition, 7/21/25
Monday, Jul 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT
Online Event
Last Chance to Save!
New Pricing Coming in 2025.
New Pricing Coming in 2025.
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Don't miss out, join today and save!
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Contact AARP
in Des Moines
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?><?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/14/25 by <b>Evan Jones</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c3/c4/2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba/eckels.jpg" alt="eckels.jpg" width="1280" height="960"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as an AARP Virginia volunteer. Those she has helped include scores of recent volunteers and many older Americans seeking assistance with their tax returns.<br><br> Claudia’s career began in education, teaching for 10 years at the secondary school and college levels. She then switched to financial management, ultimately leading various teams in undertakings that included customer service, operations, product development and business development.<br><br> Those differing lines of work have served her well with AARP. Claudia had already been a member for some time when she retired in 2019, so when she set her sights on volunteering 20 months later, she immediately thought of AARP.<br><br> “I said ‘life is too short, I really need to think about doing something else,’ because I thought I had skills that could be helpful to other people. I looked for roles that enable me to do these kinds of things, and I could meet new people.”<br><br> Since then, she has met plenty of new people. After Claudia went on line to apply, AARP Virginia took note of her background in teaching and technology and asked if she would be willing to become a “portal champion.” It wasn’t long before she was contacting and screening many potential AARP volunteers. By the organization’s count, in 2023 alone, her efforts led to the addition of 83 new Virginia volunteers, helping them both in the screening process and in understanding and navigating the volunteer portal.<br><br> “That appealed to me very much,” she said, “because I like to help people find things they can be good at; maybe in some cases they didn’t even know they had (a particular) skill. And it’s a great way to help people find something that they enjoy doing that also obviously benefits the organization.”<br><br> AARP Virginia leaders say the benefits are indeed obvious — and they now reach the national level as Claudia provides virtual and in-person portal training for the organization’s volunteers and staff across the country. State Program Specialist Timothy Bothe said it is difficult to overstate her contributions.<br><br> “Claudia Eckels has been an exemplary volunteer for AARP Virginia, demonstrating unwavering dedication across numerous vital programs,” he said.<br><br> That unwavering dedication later took her in an additional direction: tax assistance. Claudia said the training was a “heavy lift,” but helping older Americans navigate their way through IRS tax returns has its own rewards.<br><br> “You essentially open up ways for them to understand their own finances better. They don’t become tax experts, nor do they want to, but a lot of them will end saying ‘I understand so much better now what’s going on. I don’t to do my own taxes, but I really appreciate the fact that you explained this to me in a simple way,’” Claudia said. “I love the ability to help people, mentor them, maybe demystify something that seems like it’s a really complicated process.”<br><br> If all that is not enough, Claudia Eckels is also a member of AARP Virginia’s Executive Council where she pays particular attention to enabling volunteers and helping them become more effective. For all these contributions and more, AARP Virginia honored Claudia with its 2024 State President's Award. Bothe said she is a most deserving recipient.<br><br> “Her multifaceted involvement underscores her profound impact on AARP Virginia and the communities it serves,” Bothe said.<br><br> As for Claudia, she said helping others by volunteering with AARP has made her own life better.<br><br> “My husband looked at me one day and said ‘there’s something new about you, a sudden spring in your step that hasn’t been there for a while.’ I get that same feedback from my family and other people that I meet. It’s made me so much more socially aware and active. I didn’t realize just how great that need was until I started getting more involved. It’s also made me a happier person.”<br> <br>See how far your volunteering can take you. Apply today at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/volunteer</a></span></span>.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '57617ffd0c4e268f7f8b5a10', 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'Windsor Heights', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'windsor-heights-ia' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Berwick', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'berwick-ia' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Norwalk', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'norwalk-ia' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'West Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'west-des-moines-ia' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Pleasant Hill', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'pleasant-hill-ia' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Urbandale', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'urbandale-ia' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Clive', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'clive-ia' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Altoona', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'altoona-ia' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Johnston', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'johnston-ia' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Ankeny', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'ankeny-ia' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Carlisle', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'carlisle-ia' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Grimes', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'grimes-ia' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Cumming', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'cumming-ia' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Bondurant', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'bondurant-ia' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 2 => 'berwick-ia', (int) 3 => 'norwalk-ia', (int) 4 => 'west-des-moines-ia', (int) 5 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 6 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 7 => 'clive-ia', (int) 8 => 'altoona-ia', (int) 9 => 'johnston-ia', (int) 10 => 'ankeny-ia', (int) 11 => 'carlisle-ia', (int) 12 => 'grimes-ia', (int) 13 => 'cumming-ia', (int) 14 => 'bondurant-ia', (int) 15 => 'waukee-ia' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},greater-des-moines-ia', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/hero/hiking3.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'greater-des-moines-ia-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Iowa', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Des Moines', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/IA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGIA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Iowa', 'contactus_email' => 'IAAARP@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpIA', 'state_contract_id' => '56002', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/iowa.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5820075409001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-iowas-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ia-2020-07-24.html', 'State_Label' => 'Iowa's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-iowa-ia-2021-02-03.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'des-moines-ia', 'instagram_link' => 'aarp_iowa', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Iowa.pdf', '211_helpline' => 'Y', 'full_state' => 'Iowa', 'county' => 'Polk', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -93.620300292969, (int) 1 => (float) 41.588798522949 ), 'latitude' => (float) 41.588798522949, 'longitude' => (float) -93.620300292969, 'city_state' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'city_state_search' => 'Des Moines IA,Des Miones IA,Des Monies IA,DesMiones IA,DesMoines IA', 'pilot_name' => 'Des Moines', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_id' => (int) 20, 'community_name' => 'Des Moines', 'community_state' => 'IA', 'community_region' => 'Central', 'brightspot_region' => 'des-moines-ia', 'title' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'DESMOINES', 'tracking_code_state' => 'IA', 'ad_state' => 'ia', 'ad_city' => 'des-moines', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/Chicago', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '50301', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/des-moines-ia/', 'alt_names' => 'Des Moines,Des Miones,Des Monies,DesMiones,DesMoines', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '50301', (int) 1 => '50302', (int) 2 => '50303', (int) 3 => '50304', (int) 4 => '50305', (int) 5 => '50306', (int) 6 => '50307', (int) 7 => '50308', (int) 8 => '50309', (int) 9 => '50310', (int) 10 => '50311', (int) 11 => '50312', (int) 12 => '50313', (int) 13 => '50314', (int) 14 => '50315', (int) 15 => '50316', (int) 16 => '50317', (int) 17 => '50318', (int) 18 => '50319', (int) 19 => '50320', (int) 20 => '50321', (int) 21 => '50322', (int) 22 => '50323', (int) 23 => '50324', (int) 24 => '50325', (int) 25 => '50327', (int) 26 => '50328', (int) 27 => '50329', (int) 28 => '50330', (int) 29 => '50331', (int) 30 => '50332', (int) 31 => '50333', (int) 32 => '50334', (int) 33 => '50335', (int) 34 => '50336', (int) 35 => '50338', (int) 36 => '50339', (int) 37 => '50340', (int) 38 => '50347', (int) 39 => '50350', (int) 40 => '50359', (int) 41 => '50360', (int) 42 => '50361', (int) 43 => '50362', (int) 44 => '50363', (int) 45 => '50364', (int) 46 => '50367', (int) 47 => '50368', (int) 48 => '50369', (int) 49 => '50380', (int) 50 => '50381', (int) 51 => '50391', (int) 52 => '50392', (int) 53 => '50393', (int) 54 => '50394', (int) 55 => '50395', (int) 56 => '50396', (int) 57 => '50397', (int) 58 => '50936', (int) 59 => '50940', (int) 60 => '50947', (int) 61 => '50950', (int) 62 => '50980', (int) 63 => '50981', (int) 64 => '50982', (int) 65 => '50983' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'des-miones-ia', (int) 2 => 'des-monies-ia', (int) 3 => 'desmiones-ia', (int) 4 => 'desmoines-ia', (int) 5 => 'beaverdale-ia', (int) 6 => 'highland-park-ia', (int) 7 => 'marquisville-ia', (int) 8 => 'saydel-ia', (int) 9 => 'saylorville-ia', (int) 10 => 'south-des-moines-ia', (int) 11 => 'capital-heights-ia', (int) 12 => 'carbondale-ia', (int) 13 => 'norwoodville-ia', (int) 14 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 15 => 'risingsun-ia', (int) 16 => 'state-of-iowa-ia', (int) 17 => 'wells-fargo-mortgage-ia', (int) 18 => 'visa-mastercard-ia', (int) 19 => 'american-republic-ia', (int) 20 => 'midamerican-energy-ia', (int) 21 => 'equitable-life-assurance-ia', (int) 22 => 'communications-data-service-ia', (int) 23 => 'citigroup-ia', (int) 24 => 'citigroup-brm-ia', (int) 25 => 'hp-other-ia', (int) 26 => 'allied-group-ia', (int) 27 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 28 => 'principal-financial-ia', (int) 29 => 'usps-bmc-ia', (int) 30 => 'first-interstate-bank-ia', (int) 31 => 'hp-proactive-ia', (int) 32 => 'boone-ia', (int) 33 => 'hp-sc-ye-ia', (int) 34 => 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'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</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/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-ask-me-anything-fraud-edition-72125-3zngmt79zzl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-ASK-ME-ANYTHING-FRAUD-EDITION-72125">AARP Live: Ask Me Anything – Fraud Edition, 7/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">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-DESMOINES-IA">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 Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</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:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@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/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as" name="description"/> <meta content="Volunteer, Spotlight, Claudia, Eckels, Impact, on, AARP, Virginia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia-va-2025-04-14.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content=""Life is too short. I thought I had skills that could help others, so I looked for roles where I could make a difference," says Claudia Eckels, whose"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed1d054/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x823+0+69/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc3%2Fc4%2F2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba%2Feckels.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta property="og:description" content=""Life is too short. I thought I had skills that could help others, so I looked for roles where I could make a difference," says Claudia Eckels, whose"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed1d054/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x823+0+69/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc3%2Fc4%2F2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba%2Feckels.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $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">Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/14/25 by <b>Evan Jones</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c3/c4/2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba/eckels.jpg" alt="eckels.jpg" width="1280" height="960"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as an AARP Virginia volunteer. Those she has helped include scores of recent volunteers and many older Americans seeking assistance with their tax returns.<br><br> Claudia’s career began in education, teaching for 10 years at the secondary school and college levels. She then switched to financial management, ultimately leading various teams in undertakings that included customer service, operations, product development and business development.<br><br> Those differing lines of work have served her well with AARP. Claudia had already been a member for some time when she retired in 2019, so when she set her sights on volunteering 20 months later, she immediately thought of AARP.<br><br> “I said ‘life is too short, I really need to think about doing something else,’ because I thought I had skills that could be helpful to other people. I looked for roles that enable me to do these kinds of things, and I could meet new people.”<br><br> Since then, she has met plenty of new people. After Claudia went on line to apply, AARP Virginia took note of her background in teaching and technology and asked if she would be willing to become a “portal champion.” It wasn’t long before she was contacting and screening many potential AARP volunteers. By the organization’s count, in 2023 alone, her efforts led to the addition of 83 new Virginia volunteers, helping them both in the screening process and in understanding and navigating the volunteer portal.<br><br> “That appealed to me very much,” she said, “because I like to help people find things they can be good at; maybe in some cases they didn’t even know they had (a particular) skill. And it’s a great way to help people find something that they enjoy doing that also obviously benefits the organization.”<br><br> AARP Virginia leaders say the benefits are indeed obvious — and they now reach the national level as Claudia provides virtual and in-person portal training for the organization’s volunteers and staff across the country. State Program Specialist Timothy Bothe said it is difficult to overstate her contributions.<br><br> “Claudia Eckels has been an exemplary volunteer for AARP Virginia, demonstrating unwavering dedication across numerous vital programs,” he said.<br><br> That unwavering dedication later took her in an additional direction: tax assistance. Claudia said the training was a “heavy lift,” but helping older Americans navigate their way through IRS tax returns has its own rewards.<br><br> “You essentially open up ways for them to understand their own finances better. They don’t become tax experts, nor do they want to, but a lot of them will end saying ‘I understand so much better now what’s going on. I don’t to do my own taxes, but I really appreciate the fact that you explained this to me in a simple way,’” Claudia said. “I love the ability to help people, mentor them, maybe demystify something that seems like it’s a really complicated process.”<br><br> If all that is not enough, Claudia Eckels is also a member of AARP Virginia’s Executive Council where she pays particular attention to enabling volunteers and helping them become more effective. For all these contributions and more, AARP Virginia honored Claudia with its 2024 State President's Award. Bothe said she is a most deserving recipient.<br><br> “Her multifaceted involvement underscores her profound impact on AARP Virginia and the communities it serves,” Bothe said.<br><br> As for Claudia, she said helping others by volunteering with AARP has made her own life better.<br><br> “My husband looked at me one day and said ‘there’s something new about you, a sudden spring in your step that hasn’t been there for a while.’ I get that same feedback from my family and other people that I meet. It’s made me so much more socially aware and active. I didn’t realize just how great that need was until I started getting more involved. It’s also made me a happier person.”<br> <br>See how far your volunteering can take you. Apply today at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/volunteer</a></span></span>.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '57617ffd0c4e268f7f8b5a10', 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'Windsor Heights', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'windsor-heights-ia' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Berwick', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'berwick-ia' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Norwalk', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'norwalk-ia' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'West Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'west-des-moines-ia' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Pleasant Hill', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'pleasant-hill-ia' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Urbandale', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'urbandale-ia' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Clive', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'clive-ia' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Altoona', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'altoona-ia' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Johnston', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'johnston-ia' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Ankeny', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'ankeny-ia' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Carlisle', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'carlisle-ia' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Grimes', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'grimes-ia' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Cumming', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'cumming-ia' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Bondurant', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'bondurant-ia' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 2 => 'berwick-ia', (int) 3 => 'norwalk-ia', (int) 4 => 'west-des-moines-ia', (int) 5 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 6 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 7 => 'clive-ia', (int) 8 => 'altoona-ia', (int) 9 => 'johnston-ia', (int) 10 => 'ankeny-ia', (int) 11 => 'carlisle-ia', (int) 12 => 'grimes-ia', (int) 13 => 'cumming-ia', (int) 14 => 'bondurant-ia', (int) 15 => 'waukee-ia' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},greater-des-moines-ia', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/hero/hiking3.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'greater-des-moines-ia-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Iowa', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Des Moines', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/IA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGIA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Iowa', 'contactus_email' => 'IAAARP@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpIA', 'state_contract_id' => '56002', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/iowa.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5820075409001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-iowas-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ia-2020-07-24.html', 'State_Label' => 'Iowa's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-iowa-ia-2021-02-03.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'des-moines-ia', 'instagram_link' => 'aarp_iowa', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Iowa.pdf', '211_helpline' => 'Y', 'full_state' => 'Iowa', 'county' => 'Polk', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -93.620300292969, (int) 1 => (float) 41.588798522949 ), 'latitude' => (float) 41.588798522949, 'longitude' => (float) -93.620300292969, 'city_state' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'city_state_search' => 'Des Moines IA,Des Miones IA,Des Monies IA,DesMiones IA,DesMoines IA', 'pilot_name' => 'Des Moines', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_id' => (int) 20, 'community_name' => 'Des Moines', 'community_state' => 'IA', 'community_region' => 'Central', 'brightspot_region' => 'des-moines-ia', 'title' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'DESMOINES', 'tracking_code_state' => 'IA', 'ad_state' => 'ia', 'ad_city' => 'des-moines', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/Chicago', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '50301', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/des-moines-ia/', 'alt_names' => 'Des Moines,Des Miones,Des Monies,DesMiones,DesMoines', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '50301', (int) 1 => '50302', (int) 2 => '50303', (int) 3 => '50304', (int) 4 => '50305', (int) 5 => '50306', (int) 6 => '50307', (int) 7 => '50308', (int) 8 => '50309', (int) 9 => '50310', (int) 10 => '50311', (int) 11 => '50312', (int) 12 => '50313', (int) 13 => '50314', (int) 14 => '50315', (int) 15 => '50316', (int) 16 => '50317', (int) 17 => '50318', (int) 18 => '50319', (int) 19 => '50320', (int) 20 => '50321', (int) 21 => '50322', (int) 22 => '50323', (int) 23 => '50324', (int) 24 => '50325', (int) 25 => '50327', (int) 26 => '50328', (int) 27 => '50329', (int) 28 => '50330', (int) 29 => '50331', (int) 30 => '50332', (int) 31 => '50333', (int) 32 => '50334', (int) 33 => '50335', (int) 34 => '50336', (int) 35 => '50338', (int) 36 => '50339', (int) 37 => '50340', (int) 38 => '50347', (int) 39 => '50350', (int) 40 => '50359', (int) 41 => '50360', (int) 42 => '50361', (int) 43 => '50362', (int) 44 => '50363', (int) 45 => '50364', (int) 46 => '50367', (int) 47 => '50368', (int) 48 => '50369', (int) 49 => '50380', (int) 50 => '50381', (int) 51 => '50391', (int) 52 => '50392', (int) 53 => '50393', (int) 54 => '50394', (int) 55 => '50395', (int) 56 => '50396', (int) 57 => '50397', (int) 58 => '50936', (int) 59 => '50940', (int) 60 => '50947', (int) 61 => '50950', (int) 62 => '50980', (int) 63 => '50981', (int) 64 => '50982', (int) 65 => '50983' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'des-miones-ia', (int) 2 => 'des-monies-ia', (int) 3 => 'desmiones-ia', (int) 4 => 'desmoines-ia', (int) 5 => 'beaverdale-ia', (int) 6 => 'highland-park-ia', (int) 7 => 'marquisville-ia', (int) 8 => 'saydel-ia', (int) 9 => 'saylorville-ia', (int) 10 => 'south-des-moines-ia', (int) 11 => 'capital-heights-ia', (int) 12 => 'carbondale-ia', (int) 13 => 'norwoodville-ia', (int) 14 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 15 => 'risingsun-ia', (int) 16 => 'state-of-iowa-ia', (int) 17 => 'wells-fargo-mortgage-ia', (int) 18 => 'visa-mastercard-ia', (int) 19 => 'american-republic-ia', (int) 20 => 'midamerican-energy-ia', (int) 21 => 'equitable-life-assurance-ia', (int) 22 => 'communications-data-service-ia', (int) 23 => 'citigroup-ia', (int) 24 => 'citigroup-brm-ia', (int) 25 => 'hp-other-ia', (int) 26 => 'allied-group-ia', (int) 27 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 28 => 'principal-financial-ia', (int) 29 => 'usps-bmc-ia', (int) 30 => 'first-interstate-bank-ia', (int) 31 => 'hp-proactive-ia', (int) 32 => 'boone-ia', (int) 33 => 'hp-sc-ye-ia', (int) 34 => 'clive-ia', (int) 35 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 36 => 'windsor-hts-ia', (int) 37 => 'hp-enterprise-services-ia' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '22174', (int) 1 => '22175', (int) 2 => '22176', (int) 3 => '22177', (int) 4 => '22178', (int) 5 => '22179', (int) 6 => '22180', (int) 7 => '22181', (int) 8 => '22182', (int) 9 => '22183', (int) 10 => '22184', (int) 11 => '22185', (int) 12 => '22186', (int) 13 => '22187', (int) 14 => '22188', (int) 15 => '22189', (int) 16 => '22190', (int) 17 => '22191', (int) 18 => '22192', (int) 19 => '22193', (int) 20 => '22194', (int) 21 => '22198', (int) 22 => '22199', (int) 23 => '22200', (int) 24 => '22201', (int) 25 => '22202', (int) 26 => '22203', (int) 27 => '22204', (int) 28 => '22205', (int) 29 => '22206', (int) 30 => '22207', (int) 31 => '22208', (int) 32 => '22209', (int) 33 => '22210', (int) 34 => '22211', (int) 35 => '22212', (int) 36 => '22213', (int) 37 => '22214', (int) 38 => '22215', (int) 39 => '22216', (int) 40 => '22217', (int) 41 => '22218', (int) 42 => '22219', (int) 43 => '22220', (int) 44 => '22221', (int) 45 => '22222', (int) 46 => '22223', (int) 47 => '22224', (int) 48 => '22225', (int) 49 => '22226', (int) 50 => '22227', (int) 51 => '22228', (int) 52 => '22229', (int) 53 => '22230', (int) 54 => '22468', (int) 55 => '22469', (int) 56 => '22470', (int) 57 => '22471', (int) 58 => '22472', (int) 59 => '22473', (int) 60 => '47056', (int) 61 => '47057', (int) 62 => '47059', (int) 63 => '47060', (int) 64 => '49166', (int) 65 => '49167' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'ia-des-moines' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</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/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-ask-me-anything-fraud-edition-72125-3zngmt79zzl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-ASK-ME-ANYTHING-FRAUD-EDITION-72125">AARP Live: Ask Me Anything – Fraud Edition, 7/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">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-DESMOINES-IA">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 Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</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:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@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/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as" name="description"/> <meta content="Volunteer, Spotlight, Claudia, Eckels, Impact, on, AARP, Virginia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia-va-2025-04-14.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content=""Life is too short. 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--headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Des Moines, IA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Home</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">State & Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep d-none " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?><?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/14/25 by <b>Evan Jones</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c3/c4/2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba/eckels.jpg" alt="eckels.jpg" width="1280" height="960"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as an AARP Virginia volunteer. Those she has helped include scores of recent volunteers and many older Americans seeking assistance with their tax returns.<br><br> Claudia’s career began in education, teaching for 10 years at the secondary school and college levels. She then switched to financial management, ultimately leading various teams in undertakings that included customer service, operations, product development and business development.<br><br> Those differing lines of work have served her well with AARP. Claudia had already been a member for some time when she retired in 2019, so when she set her sights on volunteering 20 months later, she immediately thought of AARP.<br><br> “I said ‘life is too short, I really need to think about doing something else,’ because I thought I had skills that could be helpful to other people. I looked for roles that enable me to do these kinds of things, and I could meet new people.”<br><br> Since then, she has met plenty of new people. After Claudia went on line to apply, AARP Virginia took note of her background in teaching and technology and asked if she would be willing to become a “portal champion.” It wasn’t long before she was contacting and screening many potential AARP volunteers. By the organization’s count, in 2023 alone, her efforts led to the addition of 83 new Virginia volunteers, helping them both in the screening process and in understanding and navigating the volunteer portal.<br><br> “That appealed to me very much,” she said, “because I like to help people find things they can be good at; maybe in some cases they didn’t even know they had (a particular) skill. And it’s a great way to help people find something that they enjoy doing that also obviously benefits the organization.”<br><br> AARP Virginia leaders say the benefits are indeed obvious — and they now reach the national level as Claudia provides virtual and in-person portal training for the organization’s volunteers and staff across the country. State Program Specialist Timothy Bothe said it is difficult to overstate her contributions.<br><br> “Claudia Eckels has been an exemplary volunteer for AARP Virginia, demonstrating unwavering dedication across numerous vital programs,” he said.<br><br> That unwavering dedication later took her in an additional direction: tax assistance. Claudia said the training was a “heavy lift,” but helping older Americans navigate their way through IRS tax returns has its own rewards.<br><br> “You essentially open up ways for them to understand their own finances better. They don’t become tax experts, nor do they want to, but a lot of them will end saying ‘I understand so much better now what’s going on. I don’t to do my own taxes, but I really appreciate the fact that you explained this to me in a simple way,’” Claudia said. “I love the ability to help people, mentor them, maybe demystify something that seems like it’s a really complicated process.”<br><br> If all that is not enough, Claudia Eckels is also a member of AARP Virginia’s Executive Council where she pays particular attention to enabling volunteers and helping them become more effective. For all these contributions and more, AARP Virginia honored Claudia with its 2024 State President's Award. Bothe said she is a most deserving recipient.<br><br> “Her multifaceted involvement underscores her profound impact on AARP Virginia and the communities it serves,” Bothe said.<br><br> As for Claudia, she said helping others by volunteering with AARP has made her own life better.<br><br> “My husband looked at me one day and said ‘there’s something new about you, a sudden spring in your step that hasn’t been there for a while.’ I get that same feedback from my family and other people that I meet. It’s made me so much more socially aware and active. I didn’t realize just how great that need was until I started getting more involved. It’s also made me a happier person.”<br> <br>See how far your volunteering can take you. Apply today at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/volunteer</a></span></span>.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '57617ffd0c4e268f7f8b5a10', 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'Windsor Heights', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'windsor-heights-ia' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Berwick', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'berwick-ia' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Norwalk', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'norwalk-ia' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'West Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'west-des-moines-ia' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Pleasant Hill', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'pleasant-hill-ia' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Urbandale', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'urbandale-ia' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Clive', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'clive-ia' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Altoona', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'altoona-ia' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Johnston', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'johnston-ia' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Ankeny', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'ankeny-ia' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Carlisle', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'carlisle-ia' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Grimes', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'grimes-ia' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Cumming', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'cumming-ia' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Bondurant', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'bondurant-ia' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 2 => 'berwick-ia', (int) 3 => 'norwalk-ia', (int) 4 => 'west-des-moines-ia', (int) 5 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 6 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 7 => 'clive-ia', (int) 8 => 'altoona-ia', (int) 9 => 'johnston-ia', (int) 10 => 'ankeny-ia', (int) 11 => 'carlisle-ia', (int) 12 => 'grimes-ia', (int) 13 => 'cumming-ia', (int) 14 => 'bondurant-ia', (int) 15 => 'waukee-ia' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},greater-des-moines-ia', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/hero/hiking3.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'greater-des-moines-ia-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Iowa', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Des Moines', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/IA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGIA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Iowa', 'contactus_email' => 'IAAARP@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpIA', 'state_contract_id' => '56002', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/iowa.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5820075409001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-iowas-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ia-2020-07-24.html', 'State_Label' => 'Iowa's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-iowa-ia-2021-02-03.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'des-moines-ia', 'instagram_link' => 'aarp_iowa', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Iowa.pdf', '211_helpline' => 'Y', 'full_state' => 'Iowa', 'county' => 'Polk', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -93.620300292969, (int) 1 => (float) 41.588798522949 ), 'latitude' => (float) 41.588798522949, 'longitude' => (float) -93.620300292969, 'city_state' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'city_state_search' => 'Des Moines IA,Des Miones IA,Des Monies IA,DesMiones IA,DesMoines IA', 'pilot_name' => 'Des Moines', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_id' => (int) 20, 'community_name' => 'Des Moines', 'community_state' => 'IA', 'community_region' => 'Central', 'brightspot_region' => 'des-moines-ia', 'title' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'DESMOINES', 'tracking_code_state' => 'IA', 'ad_state' => 'ia', 'ad_city' => 'des-moines', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/Chicago', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '50301', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/des-moines-ia/', 'alt_names' => 'Des Moines,Des Miones,Des Monies,DesMiones,DesMoines', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '50301', (int) 1 => '50302', (int) 2 => '50303', (int) 3 => '50304', (int) 4 => '50305', (int) 5 => '50306', (int) 6 => '50307', (int) 7 => '50308', (int) 8 => '50309', (int) 9 => '50310', (int) 10 => '50311', (int) 11 => '50312', (int) 12 => '50313', (int) 13 => '50314', (int) 14 => '50315', (int) 15 => '50316', (int) 16 => '50317', (int) 17 => '50318', (int) 18 => '50319', (int) 19 => '50320', (int) 20 => '50321', (int) 21 => '50322', (int) 22 => '50323', (int) 23 => '50324', (int) 24 => '50325', (int) 25 => '50327', (int) 26 => '50328', (int) 27 => '50329', (int) 28 => '50330', (int) 29 => '50331', (int) 30 => '50332', (int) 31 => '50333', (int) 32 => '50334', (int) 33 => '50335', (int) 34 => '50336', (int) 35 => '50338', (int) 36 => '50339', (int) 37 => '50340', (int) 38 => '50347', (int) 39 => '50350', (int) 40 => '50359', (int) 41 => '50360', (int) 42 => '50361', (int) 43 => '50362', (int) 44 => '50363', (int) 45 => '50364', (int) 46 => '50367', (int) 47 => '50368', (int) 48 => '50369', (int) 49 => '50380', (int) 50 => '50381', (int) 51 => '50391', (int) 52 => '50392', (int) 53 => '50393', (int) 54 => '50394', (int) 55 => '50395', (int) 56 => '50396', (int) 57 => '50397', (int) 58 => '50936', (int) 59 => '50940', (int) 60 => '50947', (int) 61 => '50950', (int) 62 => '50980', (int) 63 => '50981', (int) 64 => '50982', (int) 65 => '50983' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'des-miones-ia', (int) 2 => 'des-monies-ia', (int) 3 => 'desmiones-ia', (int) 4 => 'desmoines-ia', (int) 5 => 'beaverdale-ia', (int) 6 => 'highland-park-ia', (int) 7 => 'marquisville-ia', (int) 8 => 'saydel-ia', (int) 9 => 'saylorville-ia', (int) 10 => 'south-des-moines-ia', (int) 11 => 'capital-heights-ia', (int) 12 => 'carbondale-ia', (int) 13 => 'norwoodville-ia', (int) 14 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 15 => 'risingsun-ia', (int) 16 => 'state-of-iowa-ia', (int) 17 => 'wells-fargo-mortgage-ia', (int) 18 => 'visa-mastercard-ia', (int) 19 => 'american-republic-ia', (int) 20 => 'midamerican-energy-ia', (int) 21 => 'equitable-life-assurance-ia', (int) 22 => 'communications-data-service-ia', (int) 23 => 'citigroup-ia', (int) 24 => 'citigroup-brm-ia', (int) 25 => 'hp-other-ia', (int) 26 => 'allied-group-ia', (int) 27 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 28 => 'principal-financial-ia', (int) 29 => 'usps-bmc-ia', (int) 30 => 'first-interstate-bank-ia', (int) 31 => 'hp-proactive-ia', (int) 32 => 'boone-ia', (int) 33 => 'hp-sc-ye-ia', (int) 34 => 'clive-ia', (int) 35 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 36 => 'windsor-hts-ia', (int) 37 => 'hp-enterprise-services-ia' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '22174', (int) 1 => '22175', (int) 2 => '22176', (int) 3 => '22177', (int) 4 => '22178', (int) 5 => '22179', (int) 6 => '22180', (int) 7 => '22181', (int) 8 => '22182', (int) 9 => '22183', (int) 10 => '22184', (int) 11 => '22185', (int) 12 => '22186', (int) 13 => '22187', (int) 14 => '22188', (int) 15 => '22189', (int) 16 => '22190', (int) 17 => '22191', (int) 18 => '22192', (int) 19 => '22193', (int) 20 => '22194', (int) 21 => '22198', (int) 22 => '22199', (int) 23 => '22200', (int) 24 => '22201', (int) 25 => '22202', (int) 26 => '22203', (int) 27 => '22204', (int) 28 => '22205', (int) 29 => '22206', (int) 30 => '22207', (int) 31 => '22208', (int) 32 => '22209', (int) 33 => '22210', (int) 34 => '22211', (int) 35 => '22212', (int) 36 => '22213', (int) 37 => '22214', (int) 38 => '22215', (int) 39 => '22216', (int) 40 => '22217', (int) 41 => '22218', (int) 42 => '22219', (int) 43 => '22220', (int) 44 => '22221', (int) 45 => '22222', (int) 46 => '22223', (int) 47 => '22224', (int) 48 => '22225', (int) 49 => '22226', (int) 50 => '22227', (int) 51 => '22228', (int) 52 => '22229', (int) 53 => '22230', (int) 54 => '22468', (int) 55 => '22469', (int) 56 => '22470', (int) 57 => '22471', (int) 58 => '22472', (int) 59 => '22473', (int) 60 => '47056', (int) 61 => '47057', (int) 62 => '47059', (int) 63 => '47060', (int) 64 => '49166', (int) 65 => '49167' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'ia-des-moines' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</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/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-ask-me-anything-fraud-edition-72125-3zngmt79zzl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-ASK-ME-ANYTHING-FRAUD-EDITION-72125">AARP Live: Ask Me Anything – Fraud Edition, 7/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">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-DESMOINES-IA">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 Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</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:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@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/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as" name="description"/> <meta content="Volunteer, Spotlight, Claudia, Eckels, Impact, on, AARP, Virginia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia-va-2025-04-14.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content=""Life is too short. I thought I had skills that could help others, so I looked for roles where I could make a difference," says Claudia Eckels, whose"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed1d054/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x823+0+69/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc3%2Fc4%2F2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba%2Feckels.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta property="og:description" content=""Life is too short. I thought I had skills that could help others, so I looked for roles where I could make a difference," says Claudia Eckels, whose"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed1d054/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x823+0+69/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc3%2Fc4%2F2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba%2Feckels.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $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">Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/14/25 by <b>Evan Jones</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c3/c4/2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba/eckels.jpg" alt="eckels.jpg" width="1280" height="960"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as an AARP Virginia volunteer. Those she has helped include scores of recent volunteers and many older Americans seeking assistance with their tax returns.<br><br> Claudia’s career began in education, teaching for 10 years at the secondary school and college levels. She then switched to financial management, ultimately leading various teams in undertakings that included customer service, operations, product development and business development.<br><br> Those differing lines of work have served her well with AARP. Claudia had already been a member for some time when she retired in 2019, so when she set her sights on volunteering 20 months later, she immediately thought of AARP.<br><br> “I said ‘life is too short, I really need to think about doing something else,’ because I thought I had skills that could be helpful to other people. I looked for roles that enable me to do these kinds of things, and I could meet new people.”<br><br> Since then, she has met plenty of new people. After Claudia went on line to apply, AARP Virginia took note of her background in teaching and technology and asked if she would be willing to become a “portal champion.” It wasn’t long before she was contacting and screening many potential AARP volunteers. By the organization’s count, in 2023 alone, her efforts led to the addition of 83 new Virginia volunteers, helping them both in the screening process and in understanding and navigating the volunteer portal.<br><br> “That appealed to me very much,” she said, “because I like to help people find things they can be good at; maybe in some cases they didn’t even know they had (a particular) skill. And it’s a great way to help people find something that they enjoy doing that also obviously benefits the organization.”<br><br> AARP Virginia leaders say the benefits are indeed obvious — and they now reach the national level as Claudia provides virtual and in-person portal training for the organization’s volunteers and staff across the country. State Program Specialist Timothy Bothe said it is difficult to overstate her contributions.<br><br> “Claudia Eckels has been an exemplary volunteer for AARP Virginia, demonstrating unwavering dedication across numerous vital programs,” he said.<br><br> That unwavering dedication later took her in an additional direction: tax assistance. Claudia said the training was a “heavy lift,” but helping older Americans navigate their way through IRS tax returns has its own rewards.<br><br> “You essentially open up ways for them to understand their own finances better. They don’t become tax experts, nor do they want to, but a lot of them will end saying ‘I understand so much better now what’s going on. I don’t to do my own taxes, but I really appreciate the fact that you explained this to me in a simple way,’” Claudia said. “I love the ability to help people, mentor them, maybe demystify something that seems like it’s a really complicated process.”<br><br> If all that is not enough, Claudia Eckels is also a member of AARP Virginia’s Executive Council where she pays particular attention to enabling volunteers and helping them become more effective. For all these contributions and more, AARP Virginia honored Claudia with its 2024 State President's Award. Bothe said she is a most deserving recipient.<br><br> “Her multifaceted involvement underscores her profound impact on AARP Virginia and the communities it serves,” Bothe said.<br><br> As for Claudia, she said helping others by volunteering with AARP has made her own life better.<br><br> “My husband looked at me one day and said ‘there’s something new about you, a sudden spring in your step that hasn’t been there for a while.’ I get that same feedback from my family and other people that I meet. It’s made me so much more socially aware and active. I didn’t realize just how great that need was until I started getting more involved. It’s also made me a happier person.”<br> <br>See how far your volunteering can take you. Apply today at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/volunteer</a></span></span>.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '57617ffd0c4e268f7f8b5a10', 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'Windsor Heights', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'windsor-heights-ia' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Berwick', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'berwick-ia' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Norwalk', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'norwalk-ia' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'West Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'west-des-moines-ia' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Pleasant Hill', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'pleasant-hill-ia' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Urbandale', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'urbandale-ia' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Clive', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'clive-ia' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Altoona', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'altoona-ia' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Johnston', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'johnston-ia' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Ankeny', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'ankeny-ia' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Carlisle', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'carlisle-ia' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Grimes', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'grimes-ia' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Cumming', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'cumming-ia' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Bondurant', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'bondurant-ia' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 2 => 'berwick-ia', (int) 3 => 'norwalk-ia', (int) 4 => 'west-des-moines-ia', (int) 5 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 6 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 7 => 'clive-ia', (int) 8 => 'altoona-ia', (int) 9 => 'johnston-ia', (int) 10 => 'ankeny-ia', (int) 11 => 'carlisle-ia', (int) 12 => 'grimes-ia', (int) 13 => 'cumming-ia', (int) 14 => 'bondurant-ia', (int) 15 => 'waukee-ia' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},greater-des-moines-ia', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/hero/hiking3.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'greater-des-moines-ia-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Iowa', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Des Moines', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/IA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGIA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Iowa', 'contactus_email' => 'IAAARP@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpIA', 'state_contract_id' => '56002', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/iowa.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5820075409001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-iowas-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ia-2020-07-24.html', 'State_Label' => 'Iowa's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-iowa-ia-2021-02-03.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'des-moines-ia', 'instagram_link' => 'aarp_iowa', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Iowa.pdf', '211_helpline' => 'Y', 'full_state' => 'Iowa', 'county' => 'Polk', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -93.620300292969, (int) 1 => (float) 41.588798522949 ), 'latitude' => (float) 41.588798522949, 'longitude' => (float) -93.620300292969, 'city_state' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'city_state_search' => 'Des Moines IA,Des Miones IA,Des Monies IA,DesMiones IA,DesMoines IA', 'pilot_name' => 'Des Moines', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_id' => (int) 20, 'community_name' => 'Des Moines', 'community_state' => 'IA', 'community_region' => 'Central', 'brightspot_region' => 'des-moines-ia', 'title' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'DESMOINES', 'tracking_code_state' => 'IA', 'ad_state' => 'ia', 'ad_city' => 'des-moines', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/Chicago', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '50301', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/des-moines-ia/', 'alt_names' => 'Des Moines,Des Miones,Des Monies,DesMiones,DesMoines', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '50301', (int) 1 => '50302', (int) 2 => '50303', (int) 3 => '50304', (int) 4 => '50305', (int) 5 => '50306', (int) 6 => '50307', (int) 7 => '50308', (int) 8 => '50309', (int) 9 => '50310', (int) 10 => '50311', (int) 11 => '50312', (int) 12 => '50313', (int) 13 => '50314', (int) 14 => '50315', (int) 15 => '50316', (int) 16 => '50317', (int) 17 => '50318', (int) 18 => '50319', (int) 19 => '50320', (int) 20 => '50321', (int) 21 => '50322', (int) 22 => '50323', (int) 23 => '50324', (int) 24 => '50325', (int) 25 => '50327', (int) 26 => '50328', (int) 27 => '50329', (int) 28 => '50330', (int) 29 => '50331', (int) 30 => '50332', (int) 31 => '50333', (int) 32 => '50334', (int) 33 => '50335', (int) 34 => '50336', (int) 35 => '50338', (int) 36 => '50339', (int) 37 => '50340', (int) 38 => '50347', (int) 39 => '50350', (int) 40 => '50359', (int) 41 => '50360', (int) 42 => '50361', (int) 43 => '50362', (int) 44 => '50363', (int) 45 => '50364', (int) 46 => '50367', (int) 47 => '50368', (int) 48 => '50369', (int) 49 => '50380', (int) 50 => '50381', (int) 51 => '50391', (int) 52 => '50392', (int) 53 => '50393', (int) 54 => '50394', (int) 55 => '50395', (int) 56 => '50396', (int) 57 => '50397', (int) 58 => '50936', (int) 59 => '50940', (int) 60 => '50947', (int) 61 => '50950', (int) 62 => '50980', (int) 63 => '50981', (int) 64 => '50982', (int) 65 => '50983' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'des-miones-ia', (int) 2 => 'des-monies-ia', (int) 3 => 'desmiones-ia', (int) 4 => 'desmoines-ia', (int) 5 => 'beaverdale-ia', (int) 6 => 'highland-park-ia', (int) 7 => 'marquisville-ia', (int) 8 => 'saydel-ia', (int) 9 => 'saylorville-ia', (int) 10 => 'south-des-moines-ia', (int) 11 => 'capital-heights-ia', (int) 12 => 'carbondale-ia', (int) 13 => 'norwoodville-ia', (int) 14 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 15 => 'risingsun-ia', (int) 16 => 'state-of-iowa-ia', (int) 17 => 'wells-fargo-mortgage-ia', (int) 18 => 'visa-mastercard-ia', (int) 19 => 'american-republic-ia', (int) 20 => 'midamerican-energy-ia', (int) 21 => 'equitable-life-assurance-ia', (int) 22 => 'communications-data-service-ia', (int) 23 => 'citigroup-ia', (int) 24 => 'citigroup-brm-ia', (int) 25 => 'hp-other-ia', (int) 26 => 'allied-group-ia', (int) 27 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 28 => 'principal-financial-ia', (int) 29 => 'usps-bmc-ia', (int) 30 => 'first-interstate-bank-ia', (int) 31 => 'hp-proactive-ia', (int) 32 => 'boone-ia', (int) 33 => 'hp-sc-ye-ia', (int) 34 => 'clive-ia', (int) 35 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 36 => 'windsor-hts-ia', (int) 37 => 'hp-enterprise-services-ia' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '22174', (int) 1 => '22175', (int) 2 => '22176', (int) 3 => '22177', (int) 4 => '22178', (int) 5 => '22179', (int) 6 => '22180', (int) 7 => '22181', (int) 8 => '22182', (int) 9 => '22183', (int) 10 => '22184', (int) 11 => '22185', (int) 12 => '22186', (int) 13 => '22187', (int) 14 => '22188', (int) 15 => '22189', (int) 16 => '22190', (int) 17 => '22191', (int) 18 => '22192', (int) 19 => '22193', (int) 20 => '22194', (int) 21 => '22198', (int) 22 => '22199', (int) 23 => '22200', (int) 24 => '22201', (int) 25 => '22202', (int) 26 => '22203', (int) 27 => '22204', (int) 28 => '22205', (int) 29 => '22206', (int) 30 => '22207', (int) 31 => '22208', (int) 32 => '22209', (int) 33 => '22210', (int) 34 => '22211', (int) 35 => '22212', (int) 36 => '22213', (int) 37 => '22214', (int) 38 => '22215', (int) 39 => '22216', (int) 40 => '22217', (int) 41 => '22218', (int) 42 => '22219', (int) 43 => '22220', (int) 44 => '22221', (int) 45 => '22222', (int) 46 => '22223', (int) 47 => '22224', (int) 48 => '22225', (int) 49 => '22226', (int) 50 => '22227', (int) 51 => '22228', (int) 52 => '22229', (int) 53 => '22230', (int) 54 => '22468', (int) 55 => '22469', (int) 56 => '22470', (int) 57 => '22471', (int) 58 => '22472', (int) 59 => '22473', (int) 60 => '47056', (int) 61 => '47057', (int) 62 => '47059', (int) 63 => '47060', (int) 64 => '49166', (int) 65 => '49167' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'ia-des-moines' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</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/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-ask-me-anything-fraud-edition-72125-3zngmt79zzl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-ASK-ME-ANYTHING-FRAUD-EDITION-72125">AARP Live: Ask Me Anything – Fraud Edition, 7/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">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-DESMOINES-IA">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 Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</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:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@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/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as" name="description"/> <meta content="Volunteer, Spotlight, Claudia, Eckels, Impact, on, AARP, Virginia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia-va-2025-04-14.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content=""Life is too short. 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--headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Des Moines, IA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Home</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">State & Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep d-none " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/14/25 by <b>Evan Jones</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c3/c4/2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba/eckels.jpg" alt="eckels.jpg" width="1280" height="960"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as an AARP Virginia volunteer. Those she has helped include scores of recent volunteers and many older Americans seeking assistance with their tax returns.<br><br> Claudia’s career began in education, teaching for 10 years at the secondary school and college levels. She then switched to financial management, ultimately leading various teams in undertakings that included customer service, operations, product development and business development.<br><br> Those differing lines of work have served her well with AARP. Claudia had already been a member for some time when she retired in 2019, so when she set her sights on volunteering 20 months later, she immediately thought of AARP.<br><br> “I said ‘life is too short, I really need to think about doing something else,’ because I thought I had skills that could be helpful to other people. I looked for roles that enable me to do these kinds of things, and I could meet new people.”<br><br> Since then, she has met plenty of new people. After Claudia went on line to apply, AARP Virginia took note of her background in teaching and technology and asked if she would be willing to become a “portal champion.” It wasn’t long before she was contacting and screening many potential AARP volunteers. By the organization’s count, in 2023 alone, her efforts led to the addition of 83 new Virginia volunteers, helping them both in the screening process and in understanding and navigating the volunteer portal.<br><br> “That appealed to me very much,” she said, “because I like to help people find things they can be good at; maybe in some cases they didn’t even know they had (a particular) skill. And it’s a great way to help people find something that they enjoy doing that also obviously benefits the organization.”<br><br> AARP Virginia leaders say the benefits are indeed obvious — and they now reach the national level as Claudia provides virtual and in-person portal training for the organization’s volunteers and staff across the country. State Program Specialist Timothy Bothe said it is difficult to overstate her contributions.<br><br> “Claudia Eckels has been an exemplary volunteer for AARP Virginia, demonstrating unwavering dedication across numerous vital programs,” he said.<br><br> That unwavering dedication later took her in an additional direction: tax assistance. Claudia said the training was a “heavy lift,” but helping older Americans navigate their way through IRS tax returns has its own rewards.<br><br> “You essentially open up ways for them to understand their own finances better. They don’t become tax experts, nor do they want to, but a lot of them will end saying ‘I understand so much better now what’s going on. I don’t to do my own taxes, but I really appreciate the fact that you explained this to me in a simple way,’” Claudia said. “I love the ability to help people, mentor them, maybe demystify something that seems like it’s a really complicated process.”<br><br> If all that is not enough, Claudia Eckels is also a member of AARP Virginia’s Executive Council where she pays particular attention to enabling volunteers and helping them become more effective. For all these contributions and more, AARP Virginia honored Claudia with its 2024 State President's Award. Bothe said she is a most deserving recipient.<br><br> “Her multifaceted involvement underscores her profound impact on AARP Virginia and the communities it serves,” Bothe said.<br><br> As for Claudia, she said helping others by volunteering with AARP has made her own life better.<br><br> “My husband looked at me one day and said ‘there’s something new about you, a sudden spring in your step that hasn’t been there for a while.’ I get that same feedback from my family and other people that I meet. It’s made me so much more socially aware and active. I didn’t realize just how great that need was until I started getting more involved. It’s also made me a happier person.”<br> <br>See how far your volunteering can take you. Apply today at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/volunteer</a></span></span>.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '57617ffd0c4e268f7f8b5a10', 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'Windsor Heights', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'windsor-heights-ia' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Berwick', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'berwick-ia' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Norwalk', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'norwalk-ia' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'West Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'west-des-moines-ia' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Pleasant Hill', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'pleasant-hill-ia' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Urbandale', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'urbandale-ia' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Clive', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'clive-ia' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Altoona', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'altoona-ia' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Johnston', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'johnston-ia' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Ankeny', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'ankeny-ia' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Carlisle', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'carlisle-ia' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Grimes', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'grimes-ia' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Cumming', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'cumming-ia' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Bondurant', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'bondurant-ia' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 2 => 'berwick-ia', (int) 3 => 'norwalk-ia', (int) 4 => 'west-des-moines-ia', (int) 5 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 6 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 7 => 'clive-ia', (int) 8 => 'altoona-ia', (int) 9 => 'johnston-ia', (int) 10 => 'ankeny-ia', (int) 11 => 'carlisle-ia', (int) 12 => 'grimes-ia', (int) 13 => 'cumming-ia', (int) 14 => 'bondurant-ia', (int) 15 => 'waukee-ia' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},greater-des-moines-ia', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/hero/hiking3.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'greater-des-moines-ia-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Iowa', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Des Moines', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/IA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGIA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Iowa', 'contactus_email' => 'IAAARP@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpIA', 'state_contract_id' => '56002', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/iowa.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5820075409001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-iowas-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ia-2020-07-24.html', 'State_Label' => 'Iowa's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-iowa-ia-2021-02-03.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'des-moines-ia', 'instagram_link' => 'aarp_iowa', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Iowa.pdf', '211_helpline' => 'Y', 'full_state' => 'Iowa', 'county' => 'Polk', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -93.620300292969, (int) 1 => (float) 41.588798522949 ), 'latitude' => (float) 41.588798522949, 'longitude' => (float) -93.620300292969, 'city_state' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'city_state_search' => 'Des Moines IA,Des Miones IA,Des Monies IA,DesMiones IA,DesMoines IA', 'pilot_name' => 'Des Moines', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_id' => (int) 20, 'community_name' => 'Des Moines', 'community_state' => 'IA', 'community_region' => 'Central', 'brightspot_region' => 'des-moines-ia', 'title' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'DESMOINES', 'tracking_code_state' => 'IA', 'ad_state' => 'ia', 'ad_city' => 'des-moines', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/Chicago', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '50301', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/des-moines-ia/', 'alt_names' => 'Des Moines,Des Miones,Des Monies,DesMiones,DesMoines', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '50301', (int) 1 => '50302', (int) 2 => '50303', (int) 3 => '50304', (int) 4 => '50305', (int) 5 => '50306', (int) 6 => '50307', (int) 7 => '50308', (int) 8 => '50309', (int) 9 => '50310', (int) 10 => '50311', (int) 11 => '50312', (int) 12 => '50313', (int) 13 => '50314', (int) 14 => '50315', (int) 15 => '50316', (int) 16 => '50317', (int) 17 => '50318', (int) 18 => '50319', (int) 19 => '50320', (int) 20 => '50321', (int) 21 => '50322', (int) 22 => '50323', (int) 23 => '50324', (int) 24 => '50325', (int) 25 => '50327', (int) 26 => '50328', (int) 27 => '50329', (int) 28 => '50330', (int) 29 => '50331', (int) 30 => '50332', (int) 31 => '50333', (int) 32 => '50334', (int) 33 => '50335', (int) 34 => '50336', (int) 35 => '50338', (int) 36 => '50339', (int) 37 => '50340', (int) 38 => '50347', (int) 39 => '50350', (int) 40 => '50359', (int) 41 => '50360', (int) 42 => '50361', (int) 43 => '50362', (int) 44 => '50363', (int) 45 => '50364', (int) 46 => '50367', (int) 47 => '50368', (int) 48 => '50369', (int) 49 => '50380', (int) 50 => '50381', (int) 51 => '50391', (int) 52 => '50392', (int) 53 => '50393', (int) 54 => '50394', (int) 55 => '50395', (int) 56 => '50396', (int) 57 => '50397', (int) 58 => '50936', (int) 59 => '50940', (int) 60 => '50947', (int) 61 => '50950', (int) 62 => '50980', (int) 63 => '50981', (int) 64 => '50982', (int) 65 => '50983' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'des-miones-ia', (int) 2 => 'des-monies-ia', (int) 3 => 'desmiones-ia', (int) 4 => 'desmoines-ia', (int) 5 => 'beaverdale-ia', (int) 6 => 'highland-park-ia', (int) 7 => 'marquisville-ia', (int) 8 => 'saydel-ia', (int) 9 => 'saylorville-ia', (int) 10 => 'south-des-moines-ia', (int) 11 => 'capital-heights-ia', (int) 12 => 'carbondale-ia', (int) 13 => 'norwoodville-ia', (int) 14 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 15 => 'risingsun-ia', (int) 16 => 'state-of-iowa-ia', (int) 17 => 'wells-fargo-mortgage-ia', (int) 18 => 'visa-mastercard-ia', (int) 19 => 'american-republic-ia', (int) 20 => 'midamerican-energy-ia', (int) 21 => 'equitable-life-assurance-ia', (int) 22 => 'communications-data-service-ia', (int) 23 => 'citigroup-ia', (int) 24 => 'citigroup-brm-ia', (int) 25 => 'hp-other-ia', (int) 26 => 'allied-group-ia', (int) 27 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 28 => 'principal-financial-ia', (int) 29 => 'usps-bmc-ia', (int) 30 => 'first-interstate-bank-ia', (int) 31 => 'hp-proactive-ia', (int) 32 => 'boone-ia', (int) 33 => 'hp-sc-ye-ia', (int) 34 => 'clive-ia', (int) 35 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 36 => 'windsor-hts-ia', (int) 37 => 'hp-enterprise-services-ia' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '22174', (int) 1 => '22175', (int) 2 => '22176', (int) 3 => '22177', (int) 4 => '22178', (int) 5 => '22179', (int) 6 => '22180', (int) 7 => '22181', (int) 8 => '22182', (int) 9 => '22183', (int) 10 => '22184', (int) 11 => '22185', (int) 12 => '22186', (int) 13 => '22187', (int) 14 => '22188', (int) 15 => '22189', (int) 16 => '22190', (int) 17 => '22191', (int) 18 => '22192', (int) 19 => '22193', (int) 20 => '22194', (int) 21 => '22198', (int) 22 => '22199', (int) 23 => '22200', (int) 24 => '22201', (int) 25 => '22202', (int) 26 => '22203', (int) 27 => '22204', (int) 28 => '22205', (int) 29 => '22206', (int) 30 => '22207', (int) 31 => '22208', (int) 32 => '22209', (int) 33 => '22210', (int) 34 => '22211', (int) 35 => '22212', (int) 36 => '22213', (int) 37 => '22214', (int) 38 => '22215', (int) 39 => '22216', (int) 40 => '22217', (int) 41 => '22218', (int) 42 => '22219', (int) 43 => '22220', (int) 44 => '22221', (int) 45 => '22222', (int) 46 => '22223', (int) 47 => '22224', (int) 48 => '22225', (int) 49 => '22226', (int) 50 => '22227', (int) 51 => '22228', (int) 52 => '22229', (int) 53 => '22230', (int) 54 => '22468', (int) 55 => '22469', (int) 56 => '22470', (int) 57 => '22471', (int) 58 => '22472', (int) 59 => '22473', (int) 60 => '47056', (int) 61 => '47057', (int) 62 => '47059', (int) 63 => '47060', (int) 64 => '49166', (int) 65 => '49167' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'ia-des-moines' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</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/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-ask-me-anything-fraud-edition-72125-3zngmt79zzl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-ASK-ME-ANYTHING-FRAUD-EDITION-72125">AARP Live: Ask Me Anything – Fraud Edition, 7/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">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-DESMOINES-IA">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 Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</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:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@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/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as" name="description"/> <meta content="Volunteer, Spotlight, Claudia, Eckels, Impact, on, AARP, Virginia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia-va-2025-04-14.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content=""Life is too short. I thought I had skills that could help others, so I looked for roles where I could make a difference," says Claudia Eckels, whose"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed1d054/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x823+0+69/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc3%2Fc4%2F2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba%2Feckels.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta property="og:description" content=""Life is too short. I thought I had skills that could help others, so I looked for roles where I could make a difference," says Claudia Eckels, whose"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed1d054/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x823+0+69/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc3%2Fc4%2F2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba%2Feckels.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $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">Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/14/25 by <b>Evan Jones</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c3/c4/2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba/eckels.jpg" alt="eckels.jpg" width="1280" height="960"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as an AARP Virginia volunteer. Those she has helped include scores of recent volunteers and many older Americans seeking assistance with their tax returns.<br><br> Claudia’s career began in education, teaching for 10 years at the secondary school and college levels. She then switched to financial management, ultimately leading various teams in undertakings that included customer service, operations, product development and business development.<br><br> Those differing lines of work have served her well with AARP. Claudia had already been a member for some time when she retired in 2019, so when she set her sights on volunteering 20 months later, she immediately thought of AARP.<br><br> “I said ‘life is too short, I really need to think about doing something else,’ because I thought I had skills that could be helpful to other people. I looked for roles that enable me to do these kinds of things, and I could meet new people.”<br><br> Since then, she has met plenty of new people. After Claudia went on line to apply, AARP Virginia took note of her background in teaching and technology and asked if she would be willing to become a “portal champion.” It wasn’t long before she was contacting and screening many potential AARP volunteers. By the organization’s count, in 2023 alone, her efforts led to the addition of 83 new Virginia volunteers, helping them both in the screening process and in understanding and navigating the volunteer portal.<br><br> “That appealed to me very much,” she said, “because I like to help people find things they can be good at; maybe in some cases they didn’t even know they had (a particular) skill. And it’s a great way to help people find something that they enjoy doing that also obviously benefits the organization.”<br><br> AARP Virginia leaders say the benefits are indeed obvious — and they now reach the national level as Claudia provides virtual and in-person portal training for the organization’s volunteers and staff across the country. State Program Specialist Timothy Bothe said it is difficult to overstate her contributions.<br><br> “Claudia Eckels has been an exemplary volunteer for AARP Virginia, demonstrating unwavering dedication across numerous vital programs,” he said.<br><br> That unwavering dedication later took her in an additional direction: tax assistance. Claudia said the training was a “heavy lift,” but helping older Americans navigate their way through IRS tax returns has its own rewards.<br><br> “You essentially open up ways for them to understand their own finances better. They don’t become tax experts, nor do they want to, but a lot of them will end saying ‘I understand so much better now what’s going on. I don’t to do my own taxes, but I really appreciate the fact that you explained this to me in a simple way,’” Claudia said. “I love the ability to help people, mentor them, maybe demystify something that seems like it’s a really complicated process.”<br><br> If all that is not enough, Claudia Eckels is also a member of AARP Virginia’s Executive Council where she pays particular attention to enabling volunteers and helping them become more effective. For all these contributions and more, AARP Virginia honored Claudia with its 2024 State President's Award. Bothe said she is a most deserving recipient.<br><br> “Her multifaceted involvement underscores her profound impact on AARP Virginia and the communities it serves,” Bothe said.<br><br> As for Claudia, she said helping others by volunteering with AARP has made her own life better.<br><br> “My husband looked at me one day and said ‘there’s something new about you, a sudden spring in your step that hasn’t been there for a while.’ I get that same feedback from my family and other people that I meet. It’s made me so much more socially aware and active. I didn’t realize just how great that need was until I started getting more involved. It’s also made me a happier person.”<br> <br>See how far your volunteering can take you. Apply today at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/volunteer</a></span></span>.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '57617ffd0c4e268f7f8b5a10', 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'Windsor Heights', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'windsor-heights-ia' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Berwick', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'berwick-ia' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Norwalk', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'norwalk-ia' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'West Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'west-des-moines-ia' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Pleasant Hill', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'pleasant-hill-ia' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Urbandale', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'urbandale-ia' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Clive', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'clive-ia' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Altoona', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'altoona-ia' ), (int) 9 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'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},greater-des-moines-ia', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/hero/hiking3.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'greater-des-moines-ia-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Iowa', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Des Moines', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/IA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGIA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Iowa', 'contactus_email' => 'IAAARP@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpIA', 'state_contract_id' => '56002', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/iowa.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5820075409001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-iowas-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ia-2020-07-24.html', 'State_Label' => 'Iowa's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-iowa-ia-2021-02-03.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'des-moines-ia', 'instagram_link' => 'aarp_iowa', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Iowa.pdf', '211_helpline' => 'Y', 'full_state' => 'Iowa', 'county' => 'Polk', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -93.620300292969, (int) 1 => (float) 41.588798522949 ), 'latitude' => (float) 41.588798522949, 'longitude' => (float) -93.620300292969, 'city_state' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'city_state_search' => 'Des Moines IA,Des Miones IA,Des Monies IA,DesMiones IA,DesMoines IA', 'pilot_name' => 'Des Moines', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_id' => (int) 20, 'community_name' => 'Des Moines', 'community_state' => 'IA', 'community_region' => 'Central', 'brightspot_region' => 'des-moines-ia', 'title' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'DESMOINES', 'tracking_code_state' => 'IA', 'ad_state' => 'ia', 'ad_city' => 'des-moines', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/Chicago', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '50301', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/des-moines-ia/', 'alt_names' => 'Des Moines,Des Miones,Des Monies,DesMiones,DesMoines', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '50301', (int) 1 => '50302', (int) 2 => '50303', (int) 3 => '50304', (int) 4 => '50305', (int) 5 => '50306', (int) 6 => '50307', (int) 7 => '50308', (int) 8 => '50309', (int) 9 => '50310', (int) 10 => '50311', (int) 11 => '50312', (int) 12 => '50313', (int) 13 => '50314', (int) 14 => '50315', (int) 15 => '50316', (int) 16 => '50317', (int) 17 => '50318', (int) 18 => '50319', (int) 19 => '50320', (int) 20 => '50321', (int) 21 => '50322', (int) 22 => '50323', (int) 23 => '50324', (int) 24 => '50325', (int) 25 => '50327', (int) 26 => '50328', (int) 27 => '50329', (int) 28 => '50330', (int) 29 => '50331', (int) 30 => '50332', (int) 31 => '50333', (int) 32 => '50334', (int) 33 => '50335', (int) 34 => '50336', (int) 35 => '50338', (int) 36 => '50339', (int) 37 => '50340', (int) 38 => '50347', (int) 39 => '50350', (int) 40 => '50359', (int) 41 => '50360', (int) 42 => '50361', (int) 43 => '50362', (int) 44 => '50363', (int) 45 => '50364', (int) 46 => '50367', (int) 47 => '50368', (int) 48 => '50369', (int) 49 => '50380', (int) 50 => '50381', (int) 51 => '50391', (int) 52 => '50392', (int) 53 => '50393', (int) 54 => '50394', (int) 55 => '50395', (int) 56 => '50396', (int) 57 => '50397', (int) 58 => '50936', (int) 59 => '50940', (int) 60 => '50947', (int) 61 => '50950', (int) 62 => '50980', (int) 63 => '50981', (int) 64 => '50982', (int) 65 => '50983' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'des-miones-ia', (int) 2 => 'des-monies-ia', (int) 3 => 'desmiones-ia', (int) 4 => 'desmoines-ia', (int) 5 => 'beaverdale-ia', (int) 6 => 'highland-park-ia', (int) 7 => 'marquisville-ia', (int) 8 => 'saydel-ia', (int) 9 => 'saylorville-ia', (int) 10 => 'south-des-moines-ia', (int) 11 => 'capital-heights-ia', (int) 12 => 'carbondale-ia', (int) 13 => 'norwoodville-ia', (int) 14 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 15 => 'risingsun-ia', (int) 16 => 'state-of-iowa-ia', (int) 17 => 'wells-fargo-mortgage-ia', (int) 18 => 'visa-mastercard-ia', (int) 19 => 'american-republic-ia', (int) 20 => 'midamerican-energy-ia', (int) 21 => 'equitable-life-assurance-ia', (int) 22 => 'communications-data-service-ia', (int) 23 => 'citigroup-ia', (int) 24 => 'citigroup-brm-ia', (int) 25 => 'hp-other-ia', (int) 26 => 'allied-group-ia', (int) 27 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 28 => 'principal-financial-ia', (int) 29 => 'usps-bmc-ia', (int) 30 => 'first-interstate-bank-ia', (int) 31 => 'hp-proactive-ia', (int) 32 => 'boone-ia', (int) 33 => 'hp-sc-ye-ia', (int) 34 => 'clive-ia', (int) 35 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 36 => 'windsor-hts-ia', (int) 37 => 'hp-enterprise-services-ia' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '22174', (int) 1 => '22175', (int) 2 => '22176', (int) 3 => '22177', (int) 4 => '22178', (int) 5 => '22179', (int) 6 => '22180', (int) 7 => '22181', (int) 8 => '22182', (int) 9 => '22183', (int) 10 => '22184', (int) 11 => '22185', (int) 12 => '22186', (int) 13 => '22187', (int) 14 => '22188', (int) 15 => '22189', (int) 16 => '22190', (int) 17 => '22191', (int) 18 => '22192', (int) 19 => '22193', (int) 20 => '22194', (int) 21 => '22198', (int) 22 => '22199', (int) 23 => '22200', (int) 24 => '22201', (int) 25 => '22202', (int) 26 => '22203', (int) 27 => '22204', (int) 28 => '22205', (int) 29 => '22206', (int) 30 => '22207', (int) 31 => '22208', (int) 32 => '22209', (int) 33 => '22210', (int) 34 => '22211', (int) 35 => '22212', (int) 36 => '22213', (int) 37 => '22214', (int) 38 => '22215', (int) 39 => '22216', (int) 40 => '22217', (int) 41 => '22218', (int) 42 => '22219', (int) 43 => '22220', (int) 44 => '22221', (int) 45 => '22222', (int) 46 => '22223', (int) 47 => '22224', (int) 48 => '22225', (int) 49 => '22226', (int) 50 => '22227', (int) 51 => '22228', (int) 52 => '22229', (int) 53 => '22230', (int) 54 => '22468', (int) 55 => '22469', (int) 56 => '22470', (int) 57 => '22471', (int) 58 => '22472', (int) 59 => '22473', (int) 60 => '47056', (int) 61 => '47057', (int) 62 => '47059', (int) 63 => '47060', (int) 64 => '49166', (int) 65 => '49167' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'ia-des-moines' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</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/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-ask-me-anything-fraud-edition-72125-3zngmt79zzl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-ASK-ME-ANYTHING-FRAUD-EDITION-72125">AARP Live: Ask Me Anything – Fraud Edition, 7/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">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-DESMOINES-IA">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 Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</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:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@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/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as" name="description"/> <meta content="Volunteer, Spotlight, Claudia, Eckels, Impact, on, AARP, Virginia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia-va-2025-04-14.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content=""Life is too short. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/14/25 by <b>Evan Jones</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c3/c4/2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba/eckels.jpg" alt="eckels.jpg" width="1280" height="960"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as an AARP Virginia volunteer. Those she has helped include scores of recent volunteers and many older Americans seeking assistance with their tax returns.<br><br> Claudia’s career began in education, teaching for 10 years at the secondary school and college levels. She then switched to financial management, ultimately leading various teams in undertakings that included customer service, operations, product development and business development.<br><br> Those differing lines of work have served her well with AARP. Claudia had already been a member for some time when she retired in 2019, so when she set her sights on volunteering 20 months later, she immediately thought of AARP.<br><br> “I said ‘life is too short, I really need to think about doing something else,’ because I thought I had skills that could be helpful to other people. I looked for roles that enable me to do these kinds of things, and I could meet new people.”<br><br> Since then, she has met plenty of new people. After Claudia went on line to apply, AARP Virginia took note of her background in teaching and technology and asked if she would be willing to become a “portal champion.” It wasn’t long before she was contacting and screening many potential AARP volunteers. By the organization’s count, in 2023 alone, her efforts led to the addition of 83 new Virginia volunteers, helping them both in the screening process and in understanding and navigating the volunteer portal.<br><br> “That appealed to me very much,” she said, “because I like to help people find things they can be good at; maybe in some cases they didn’t even know they had (a particular) skill. And it’s a great way to help people find something that they enjoy doing that also obviously benefits the organization.”<br><br> AARP Virginia leaders say the benefits are indeed obvious — and they now reach the national level as Claudia provides virtual and in-person portal training for the organization’s volunteers and staff across the country. State Program Specialist Timothy Bothe said it is difficult to overstate her contributions.<br><br> “Claudia Eckels has been an exemplary volunteer for AARP Virginia, demonstrating unwavering dedication across numerous vital programs,” he said.<br><br> That unwavering dedication later took her in an additional direction: tax assistance. Claudia said the training was a “heavy lift,” but helping older Americans navigate their way through IRS tax returns has its own rewards.<br><br> “You essentially open up ways for them to understand their own finances better. They don’t become tax experts, nor do they want to, but a lot of them will end saying ‘I understand so much better now what’s going on. I don’t to do my own taxes, but I really appreciate the fact that you explained this to me in a simple way,’” Claudia said. “I love the ability to help people, mentor them, maybe demystify something that seems like it’s a really complicated process.”<br><br> If all that is not enough, Claudia Eckels is also a member of AARP Virginia’s Executive Council where she pays particular attention to enabling volunteers and helping them become more effective. For all these contributions and more, AARP Virginia honored Claudia with its 2024 State President's Award. Bothe said she is a most deserving recipient.<br><br> “Her multifaceted involvement underscores her profound impact on AARP Virginia and the communities it serves,” Bothe said.<br><br> As for Claudia, she said helping others by volunteering with AARP has made her own life better.<br><br> “My husband looked at me one day and said ‘there’s something new about you, a sudden spring in your step that hasn’t been there for a while.’ I get that same feedback from my family and other people that I meet. It’s made me so much more socially aware and active. I didn’t realize just how great that need was until I started getting more involved. It’s also made me a happier person.”<br> <br>See how far your volunteering can take you. Apply today at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/volunteer</a></span></span>.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '57617ffd0c4e268f7f8b5a10', 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'Windsor Heights', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'windsor-heights-ia' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Berwick', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'berwick-ia' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Norwalk', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'norwalk-ia' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'West Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'west-des-moines-ia' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Pleasant Hill', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'pleasant-hill-ia' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Urbandale', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'urbandale-ia' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Clive', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'clive-ia' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Altoona', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'altoona-ia' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Johnston', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'johnston-ia' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Ankeny', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'ankeny-ia' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Carlisle', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'carlisle-ia' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Grimes', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'grimes-ia' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Cumming', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'cumming-ia' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Bondurant', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'bondurant-ia' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 2 => 'berwick-ia', (int) 3 => 'norwalk-ia', (int) 4 => 'west-des-moines-ia', (int) 5 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 6 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 7 => 'clive-ia', (int) 8 => 'altoona-ia', (int) 9 => 'johnston-ia', (int) 10 => 'ankeny-ia', (int) 11 => 'carlisle-ia', (int) 12 => 'grimes-ia', (int) 13 => 'cumming-ia', (int) 14 => 'bondurant-ia', (int) 15 => 'waukee-ia' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},greater-des-moines-ia', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/hero/hiking3.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'greater-des-moines-ia-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Iowa', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Des Moines', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/IA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGIA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Iowa', 'contactus_email' => 'IAAARP@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpIA', 'state_contract_id' => '56002', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/iowa.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5820075409001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-iowas-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ia-2020-07-24.html', 'State_Label' => 'Iowa's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-iowa-ia-2021-02-03.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'des-moines-ia', 'instagram_link' => 'aarp_iowa', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Iowa.pdf', '211_helpline' => 'Y', 'full_state' => 'Iowa', 'county' => 'Polk', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -93.620300292969, (int) 1 => (float) 41.588798522949 ), 'latitude' => (float) 41.588798522949, 'longitude' => (float) -93.620300292969, 'city_state' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'city_state_search' => 'Des Moines IA,Des Miones IA,Des Monies IA,DesMiones IA,DesMoines IA', 'pilot_name' => 'Des Moines', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_id' => (int) 20, 'community_name' => 'Des Moines', 'community_state' => 'IA', 'community_region' => 'Central', 'brightspot_region' => 'des-moines-ia', 'title' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'DESMOINES', 'tracking_code_state' => 'IA', 'ad_state' => 'ia', 'ad_city' => 'des-moines', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/Chicago', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '50301', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/des-moines-ia/', 'alt_names' => 'Des Moines,Des Miones,Des Monies,DesMiones,DesMoines', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '50301', (int) 1 => '50302', (int) 2 => '50303', (int) 3 => '50304', (int) 4 => '50305', (int) 5 => '50306', (int) 6 => '50307', (int) 7 => '50308', (int) 8 => '50309', (int) 9 => '50310', (int) 10 => '50311', (int) 11 => '50312', (int) 12 => '50313', (int) 13 => '50314', (int) 14 => '50315', (int) 15 => '50316', (int) 16 => '50317', (int) 17 => '50318', (int) 18 => '50319', (int) 19 => '50320', (int) 20 => '50321', (int) 21 => '50322', (int) 22 => '50323', (int) 23 => '50324', (int) 24 => '50325', (int) 25 => '50327', (int) 26 => '50328', (int) 27 => '50329', (int) 28 => '50330', (int) 29 => '50331', (int) 30 => '50332', (int) 31 => '50333', (int) 32 => '50334', (int) 33 => '50335', (int) 34 => '50336', (int) 35 => '50338', (int) 36 => '50339', (int) 37 => '50340', (int) 38 => '50347', (int) 39 => '50350', (int) 40 => '50359', (int) 41 => '50360', (int) 42 => '50361', (int) 43 => '50362', (int) 44 => '50363', (int) 45 => '50364', (int) 46 => '50367', (int) 47 => '50368', (int) 48 => '50369', (int) 49 => '50380', (int) 50 => '50381', (int) 51 => '50391', (int) 52 => '50392', (int) 53 => '50393', (int) 54 => '50394', (int) 55 => '50395', (int) 56 => '50396', (int) 57 => '50397', (int) 58 => '50936', (int) 59 => '50940', (int) 60 => '50947', (int) 61 => '50950', (int) 62 => '50980', (int) 63 => '50981', (int) 64 => '50982', (int) 65 => '50983' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'des-miones-ia', (int) 2 => 'des-monies-ia', (int) 3 => 'desmiones-ia', (int) 4 => 'desmoines-ia', (int) 5 => 'beaverdale-ia', (int) 6 => 'highland-park-ia', (int) 7 => 'marquisville-ia', (int) 8 => 'saydel-ia', (int) 9 => 'saylorville-ia', (int) 10 => 'south-des-moines-ia', (int) 11 => 'capital-heights-ia', (int) 12 => 'carbondale-ia', (int) 13 => 'norwoodville-ia', (int) 14 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 15 => 'risingsun-ia', (int) 16 => 'state-of-iowa-ia', (int) 17 => 'wells-fargo-mortgage-ia', (int) 18 => 'visa-mastercard-ia', (int) 19 => 'american-republic-ia', (int) 20 => 'midamerican-energy-ia', (int) 21 => 'equitable-life-assurance-ia', (int) 22 => 'communications-data-service-ia', (int) 23 => 'citigroup-ia', (int) 24 => 'citigroup-brm-ia', (int) 25 => 'hp-other-ia', (int) 26 => 'allied-group-ia', (int) 27 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 28 => 'principal-financial-ia', (int) 29 => 'usps-bmc-ia', (int) 30 => 'first-interstate-bank-ia', (int) 31 => 'hp-proactive-ia', (int) 32 => 'boone-ia', (int) 33 => 'hp-sc-ye-ia', (int) 34 => 'clive-ia', (int) 35 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 36 => 'windsor-hts-ia', (int) 37 => 'hp-enterprise-services-ia' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '22174', (int) 1 => '22175', (int) 2 => '22176', (int) 3 => '22177', (int) 4 => '22178', (int) 5 => '22179', (int) 6 => '22180', (int) 7 => '22181', (int) 8 => '22182', (int) 9 => '22183', (int) 10 => '22184', (int) 11 => '22185', (int) 12 => '22186', (int) 13 => '22187', (int) 14 => '22188', (int) 15 => '22189', (int) 16 => '22190', (int) 17 => '22191', (int) 18 => '22192', (int) 19 => '22193', (int) 20 => '22194', (int) 21 => '22198', (int) 22 => '22199', (int) 23 => '22200', (int) 24 => '22201', (int) 25 => '22202', (int) 26 => '22203', (int) 27 => '22204', (int) 28 => '22205', (int) 29 => '22206', (int) 30 => '22207', (int) 31 => '22208', (int) 32 => '22209', (int) 33 => '22210', (int) 34 => '22211', (int) 35 => '22212', (int) 36 => '22213', (int) 37 => '22214', (int) 38 => '22215', (int) 39 => '22216', (int) 40 => '22217', (int) 41 => '22218', (int) 42 => '22219', (int) 43 => '22220', (int) 44 => '22221', (int) 45 => '22222', (int) 46 => '22223', (int) 47 => '22224', (int) 48 => '22225', (int) 49 => '22226', (int) 50 => '22227', (int) 51 => '22228', (int) 52 => '22229', (int) 53 => '22230', (int) 54 => '22468', (int) 55 => '22469', (int) 56 => '22470', (int) 57 => '22471', (int) 58 => '22472', (int) 59 => '22473', (int) 60 => '47056', (int) 61 => '47057', (int) 62 => '47059', (int) 63 => '47060', (int) 64 => '49166', (int) 65 => '49167' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'ia-des-moines' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</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/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-ask-me-anything-fraud-edition-72125-3zngmt79zzl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-ASK-ME-ANYTHING-FRAUD-EDITION-72125">AARP Live: Ask Me Anything – Fraud Edition, 7/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">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-DESMOINES-IA">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 Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</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:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@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/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as" name="description"/> <meta content="Volunteer, Spotlight, Claudia, Eckels, Impact, on, AARP, Virginia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia-va-2025-04-14.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content=""Life is too short. I thought I had skills that could help others, so I looked for roles where I could make a difference," says Claudia Eckels, whose"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed1d054/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x823+0+69/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc3%2Fc4%2F2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba%2Feckels.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta property="og:description" content=""Life is too short. I thought I had skills that could help others, so I looked for roles where I could make a difference," says Claudia Eckels, whose"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed1d054/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x823+0+69/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc3%2Fc4%2F2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba%2Feckels.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $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">Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/14/25 by <b>Evan Jones</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c3/c4/2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba/eckels.jpg" alt="eckels.jpg" width="1280" height="960"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as an AARP Virginia volunteer. Those she has helped include scores of recent volunteers and many older Americans seeking assistance with their tax returns.<br><br> Claudia’s career began in education, teaching for 10 years at the secondary school and college levels. She then switched to financial management, ultimately leading various teams in undertakings that included customer service, operations, product development and business development.<br><br> Those differing lines of work have served her well with AARP. Claudia had already been a member for some time when she retired in 2019, so when she set her sights on volunteering 20 months later, she immediately thought of AARP.<br><br> “I said ‘life is too short, I really need to think about doing something else,’ because I thought I had skills that could be helpful to other people. I looked for roles that enable me to do these kinds of things, and I could meet new people.”<br><br> Since then, she has met plenty of new people. After Claudia went on line to apply, AARP Virginia took note of her background in teaching and technology and asked if she would be willing to become a “portal champion.” It wasn’t long before she was contacting and screening many potential AARP volunteers. By the organization’s count, in 2023 alone, her efforts led to the addition of 83 new Virginia volunteers, helping them both in the screening process and in understanding and navigating the volunteer portal.<br><br> “That appealed to me very much,” she said, “because I like to help people find things they can be good at; maybe in some cases they didn’t even know they had (a particular) skill. And it’s a great way to help people find something that they enjoy doing that also obviously benefits the organization.”<br><br> AARP Virginia leaders say the benefits are indeed obvious — and they now reach the national level as Claudia provides virtual and in-person portal training for the organization’s volunteers and staff across the country. State Program Specialist Timothy Bothe said it is difficult to overstate her contributions.<br><br> “Claudia Eckels has been an exemplary volunteer for AARP Virginia, demonstrating unwavering dedication across numerous vital programs,” he said.<br><br> That unwavering dedication later took her in an additional direction: tax assistance. Claudia said the training was a “heavy lift,” but helping older Americans navigate their way through IRS tax returns has its own rewards.<br><br> “You essentially open up ways for them to understand their own finances better. They don’t become tax experts, nor do they want to, but a lot of them will end saying ‘I understand so much better now what’s going on. I don’t to do my own taxes, but I really appreciate the fact that you explained this to me in a simple way,’” Claudia said. “I love the ability to help people, mentor them, maybe demystify something that seems like it’s a really complicated process.”<br><br> If all that is not enough, Claudia Eckels is also a member of AARP Virginia’s Executive Council where she pays particular attention to enabling volunteers and helping them become more effective. For all these contributions and more, AARP Virginia honored Claudia with its 2024 State President's Award. Bothe said she is a most deserving recipient.<br><br> “Her multifaceted involvement underscores her profound impact on AARP Virginia and the communities it serves,” Bothe said.<br><br> As for Claudia, she said helping others by volunteering with AARP has made her own life better.<br><br> “My husband looked at me one day and said ‘there’s something new about you, a sudden spring in your step that hasn’t been there for a while.’ I get that same feedback from my family and other people that I meet. It’s made me so much more socially aware and active. I didn’t realize just how great that need was until I started getting more involved. It’s also made me a happier person.”<br> <br>See how far your volunteering can take you. Apply today at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/volunteer</a></span></span>.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '57617ffd0c4e268f7f8b5a10', 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'Windsor Heights', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'windsor-heights-ia' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Berwick', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'berwick-ia' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Norwalk', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'norwalk-ia' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'West Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'west-des-moines-ia' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Pleasant Hill', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'pleasant-hill-ia' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Urbandale', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'urbandale-ia' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Clive', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'clive-ia' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Altoona', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'altoona-ia' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Johnston', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'johnston-ia' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Ankeny', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'ankeny-ia' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Carlisle', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'carlisle-ia' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Grimes', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'grimes-ia' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Cumming', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'cumming-ia' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Bondurant', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'bondurant-ia' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 2 => 'berwick-ia', (int) 3 => 'norwalk-ia', (int) 4 => 'west-des-moines-ia', (int) 5 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 6 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 7 => 'clive-ia', (int) 8 => 'altoona-ia', (int) 9 => 'johnston-ia', (int) 10 => 'ankeny-ia', (int) 11 => 'carlisle-ia', (int) 12 => 'grimes-ia', (int) 13 => 'cumming-ia', (int) 14 => 'bondurant-ia', (int) 15 => 'waukee-ia' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 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}, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/hero/hiking3.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'greater-des-moines-ia-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Iowa', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Des Moines', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/IA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGIA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Iowa', 'contactus_email' => 'IAAARP@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpIA', 'state_contract_id' => '56002', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/iowa.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5820075409001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-iowas-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ia-2020-07-24.html', 'State_Label' => 'Iowa's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-iowa-ia-2021-02-03.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'des-moines-ia', 'instagram_link' => 'aarp_iowa', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Iowa.pdf', '211_helpline' => 'Y', 'full_state' => 'Iowa', 'county' => 'Polk', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -93.620300292969, (int) 1 => (float) 41.588798522949 ), 'latitude' => (float) 41.588798522949, 'longitude' => (float) -93.620300292969, 'city_state' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'city_state_search' => 'Des Moines IA,Des Miones IA,Des Monies IA,DesMiones IA,DesMoines IA', 'pilot_name' => 'Des Moines', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_id' => (int) 20, 'community_name' => 'Des Moines', 'community_state' => 'IA', 'community_region' => 'Central', 'brightspot_region' => 'des-moines-ia', 'title' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'DESMOINES', 'tracking_code_state' => 'IA', 'ad_state' => 'ia', 'ad_city' => 'des-moines', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/Chicago', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '50301', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/des-moines-ia/', 'alt_names' => 'Des Moines,Des Miones,Des Monies,DesMiones,DesMoines', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '50301', (int) 1 => '50302', (int) 2 => '50303', (int) 3 => '50304', (int) 4 => '50305', (int) 5 => '50306', (int) 6 => '50307', (int) 7 => '50308', (int) 8 => '50309', (int) 9 => '50310', (int) 10 => '50311', (int) 11 => '50312', (int) 12 => '50313', (int) 13 => '50314', (int) 14 => '50315', (int) 15 => '50316', (int) 16 => '50317', (int) 17 => '50318', (int) 18 => '50319', (int) 19 => '50320', (int) 20 => '50321', (int) 21 => '50322', (int) 22 => '50323', (int) 23 => '50324', (int) 24 => '50325', (int) 25 => '50327', (int) 26 => '50328', (int) 27 => '50329', (int) 28 => '50330', (int) 29 => '50331', (int) 30 => '50332', (int) 31 => '50333', (int) 32 => '50334', (int) 33 => '50335', (int) 34 => '50336', (int) 35 => '50338', (int) 36 => '50339', (int) 37 => '50340', (int) 38 => '50347', (int) 39 => '50350', (int) 40 => '50359', (int) 41 => '50360', (int) 42 => '50361', (int) 43 => '50362', (int) 44 => '50363', (int) 45 => '50364', (int) 46 => '50367', (int) 47 => '50368', (int) 48 => '50369', (int) 49 => '50380', (int) 50 => '50381', (int) 51 => '50391', (int) 52 => '50392', (int) 53 => '50393', (int) 54 => '50394', (int) 55 => '50395', (int) 56 => '50396', (int) 57 => '50397', (int) 58 => '50936', (int) 59 => '50940', (int) 60 => '50947', (int) 61 => '50950', (int) 62 => '50980', (int) 63 => '50981', (int) 64 => '50982', (int) 65 => '50983' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'des-miones-ia', (int) 2 => 'des-monies-ia', (int) 3 => 'desmiones-ia', (int) 4 => 'desmoines-ia', (int) 5 => 'beaverdale-ia', (int) 6 => 'highland-park-ia', (int) 7 => 'marquisville-ia', (int) 8 => 'saydel-ia', (int) 9 => 'saylorville-ia', (int) 10 => 'south-des-moines-ia', (int) 11 => 'capital-heights-ia', (int) 12 => 'carbondale-ia', (int) 13 => 'norwoodville-ia', (int) 14 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 15 => 'risingsun-ia', (int) 16 => 'state-of-iowa-ia', (int) 17 => 'wells-fargo-mortgage-ia', (int) 18 => 'visa-mastercard-ia', (int) 19 => 'american-republic-ia', (int) 20 => 'midamerican-energy-ia', (int) 21 => 'equitable-life-assurance-ia', (int) 22 => 'communications-data-service-ia', (int) 23 => 'citigroup-ia', (int) 24 => 'citigroup-brm-ia', (int) 25 => 'hp-other-ia', (int) 26 => 'allied-group-ia', (int) 27 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 28 => 'principal-financial-ia', (int) 29 => 'usps-bmc-ia', (int) 30 => 'first-interstate-bank-ia', (int) 31 => 'hp-proactive-ia', (int) 32 => 'boone-ia', (int) 33 => 'hp-sc-ye-ia', (int) 34 => 'clive-ia', (int) 35 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 36 => 'windsor-hts-ia', (int) 37 => 'hp-enterprise-services-ia' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '22174', (int) 1 => '22175', (int) 2 => '22176', (int) 3 => '22177', (int) 4 => '22178', (int) 5 => '22179', (int) 6 => '22180', (int) 7 => '22181', (int) 8 => '22182', (int) 9 => '22183', (int) 10 => '22184', (int) 11 => '22185', (int) 12 => '22186', (int) 13 => '22187', (int) 14 => '22188', (int) 15 => '22189', (int) 16 => '22190', (int) 17 => '22191', (int) 18 => '22192', (int) 19 => '22193', (int) 20 => '22194', (int) 21 => '22198', (int) 22 => '22199', (int) 23 => '22200', (int) 24 => '22201', (int) 25 => '22202', (int) 26 => '22203', (int) 27 => '22204', (int) 28 => '22205', (int) 29 => '22206', (int) 30 => '22207', (int) 31 => '22208', (int) 32 => '22209', (int) 33 => '22210', (int) 34 => '22211', (int) 35 => '22212', (int) 36 => '22213', (int) 37 => '22214', (int) 38 => '22215', (int) 39 => '22216', (int) 40 => '22217', (int) 41 => '22218', (int) 42 => '22219', (int) 43 => '22220', (int) 44 => '22221', (int) 45 => '22222', (int) 46 => '22223', (int) 47 => '22224', (int) 48 => '22225', (int) 49 => '22226', (int) 50 => '22227', (int) 51 => '22228', (int) 52 => '22229', (int) 53 => '22230', (int) 54 => '22468', (int) 55 => '22469', (int) 56 => '22470', (int) 57 => '22471', (int) 58 => '22472', (int) 59 => '22473', (int) 60 => '47056', (int) 61 => '47057', (int) 62 => '47059', (int) 63 => '47060', (int) 64 => '49166', (int) 65 => '49167' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'ia-des-moines' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</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/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-ask-me-anything-fraud-edition-72125-3zngmt79zzl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-ASK-ME-ANYTHING-FRAUD-EDITION-72125">AARP Live: Ask Me Anything – Fraud Edition, 7/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">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-DESMOINES-IA">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 Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</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:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@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/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as" name="description"/> <meta content="Volunteer, Spotlight, Claudia, Eckels, Impact, on, AARP, Virginia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia-va-2025-04-14.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content=""Life is too short. 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"Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/14/25 by <b>Evan Jones</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c3/c4/2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba/eckels.jpg" alt="eckels.jpg" width="1280" height="960"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as an AARP Virginia volunteer. Those she has helped include scores of recent volunteers and many older Americans seeking assistance with their tax returns.<br><br> Claudia’s career began in education, teaching for 10 years at the secondary school and college levels. She then switched to financial management, ultimately leading various teams in undertakings that included customer service, operations, product development and business development.<br><br> Those differing lines of work have served her well with AARP. Claudia had already been a member for some time when she retired in 2019, so when she set her sights on volunteering 20 months later, she immediately thought of AARP.<br><br> “I said ‘life is too short, I really need to think about doing something else,’ because I thought I had skills that could be helpful to other people. I looked for roles that enable me to do these kinds of things, and I could meet new people.”<br><br> Since then, she has met plenty of new people. After Claudia went on line to apply, AARP Virginia took note of her background in teaching and technology and asked if she would be willing to become a “portal champion.” It wasn’t long before she was contacting and screening many potential AARP volunteers. By the organization’s count, in 2023 alone, her efforts led to the addition of 83 new Virginia volunteers, helping them both in the screening process and in understanding and navigating the volunteer portal.<br><br> “That appealed to me very much,” she said, “because I like to help people find things they can be good at; maybe in some cases they didn’t even know they had (a particular) skill. And it’s a great way to help people find something that they enjoy doing that also obviously benefits the organization.”<br><br> AARP Virginia leaders say the benefits are indeed obvious — and they now reach the national level as Claudia provides virtual and in-person portal training for the organization’s volunteers and staff across the country. State Program Specialist Timothy Bothe said it is difficult to overstate her contributions.<br><br> “Claudia Eckels has been an exemplary volunteer for AARP Virginia, demonstrating unwavering dedication across numerous vital programs,” he said.<br><br> That unwavering dedication later took her in an additional direction: tax assistance. Claudia said the training was a “heavy lift,” but helping older Americans navigate their way through IRS tax returns has its own rewards.<br><br> “You essentially open up ways for them to understand their own finances better. They don’t become tax experts, nor do they want to, but a lot of them will end saying ‘I understand so much better now what’s going on. I don’t to do my own taxes, but I really appreciate the fact that you explained this to me in a simple way,’” Claudia said. “I love the ability to help people, mentor them, maybe demystify something that seems like it’s a really complicated process.”<br><br> If all that is not enough, Claudia Eckels is also a member of AARP Virginia’s Executive Council where she pays particular attention to enabling volunteers and helping them become more effective. For all these contributions and more, AARP Virginia honored Claudia with its 2024 State President's Award. Bothe said she is a most deserving recipient.<br><br> “Her multifaceted involvement underscores her profound impact on AARP Virginia and the communities it serves,” Bothe said.<br><br> As for Claudia, she said helping others by volunteering with AARP has made her own life better.<br><br> “My husband looked at me one day and said ‘there’s something new about you, a sudden spring in your step that hasn’t been there for a while.’ I get that same feedback from my family and other people that I meet. It’s made me so much more socially aware and active. I didn’t realize just how great that need was until I started getting more involved. It’s also made me a happier person.”<br> <br>See how far your volunteering can take you. Apply today at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/volunteer</a></span></span>.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '57617ffd0c4e268f7f8b5a10', 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'Windsor Heights', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'windsor-heights-ia' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Berwick', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'berwick-ia' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Norwalk', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'norwalk-ia' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'West Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'west-des-moines-ia' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Pleasant Hill', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'pleasant-hill-ia' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Urbandale', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'urbandale-ia' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Clive', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'clive-ia' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Altoona', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'altoona-ia' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Johnston', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'johnston-ia' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Ankeny', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'ankeny-ia' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Carlisle', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'carlisle-ia' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Grimes', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'grimes-ia' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Cumming', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'cumming-ia' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Bondurant', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'bondurant-ia' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 2 => 'berwick-ia', (int) 3 => 'norwalk-ia', (int) 4 => 'west-des-moines-ia', (int) 5 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 6 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 7 => 'clive-ia', (int) 8 => 'altoona-ia', (int) 9 => 'johnston-ia', (int) 10 => 'ankeny-ia', (int) 11 => 'carlisle-ia', (int) 12 => 'grimes-ia', (int) 13 => 'cumming-ia', (int) 14 => 'bondurant-ia', (int) 15 => 'waukee-ia' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},greater-des-moines-ia', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/hero/hiking3.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'greater-des-moines-ia-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Iowa', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Des Moines', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 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'clive-ia', (int) 35 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 36 => 'windsor-hts-ia', (int) 37 => 'hp-enterprise-services-ia' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '22174', (int) 1 => '22175', (int) 2 => '22176', (int) 3 => '22177', (int) 4 => '22178', (int) 5 => '22179', (int) 6 => '22180', (int) 7 => '22181', (int) 8 => '22182', (int) 9 => '22183', (int) 10 => '22184', (int) 11 => '22185', (int) 12 => '22186', (int) 13 => '22187', (int) 14 => '22188', (int) 15 => '22189', (int) 16 => '22190', (int) 17 => '22191', (int) 18 => '22192', (int) 19 => '22193', (int) 20 => '22194', (int) 21 => '22198', (int) 22 => '22199', (int) 23 => '22200', (int) 24 => '22201', (int) 25 => '22202', (int) 26 => '22203', (int) 27 => '22204', (int) 28 => '22205', (int) 29 => '22206', (int) 30 => '22207', (int) 31 => '22208', (int) 32 => '22209', (int) 33 => '22210', (int) 34 => '22211', (int) 35 => '22212', (int) 36 => '22213', (int) 37 => '22214', (int) 38 => '22215', (int) 39 => '22216', (int) 40 => '22217', (int) 41 => '22218', (int) 42 => '22219', (int) 43 => '22220', (int) 44 => '22221', (int) 45 => '22222', (int) 46 => '22223', (int) 47 => '22224', (int) 48 => '22225', (int) 49 => '22226', (int) 50 => '22227', (int) 51 => '22228', (int) 52 => '22229', (int) 53 => '22230', (int) 54 => '22468', (int) 55 => '22469', (int) 56 => '22470', (int) 57 => '22471', (int) 58 => '22472', (int) 59 => '22473', (int) 60 => '47056', (int) 61 => '47057', (int) 62 => '47059', (int) 63 => '47060', (int) 64 => '49166', (int) 65 => '49167' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'ia-des-moines' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</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/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-ask-me-anything-fraud-edition-72125-3zngmt79zzl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-ASK-ME-ANYTHING-FRAUD-EDITION-72125">AARP Live: Ask Me Anything – Fraud Edition, 7/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">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-DESMOINES-IA">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 Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</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:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@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/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as" name="description"/> <meta content="Volunteer, Spotlight, Claudia, Eckels, Impact, on, AARP, Virginia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia-va-2025-04-14.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content=""Life is too short. I thought I had skills that could help others, so I looked for roles where I could make a difference," says Claudia Eckels, whose"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed1d054/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x823+0+69/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc3%2Fc4%2F2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba%2Feckels.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta property="og:description" content=""Life is too short. I thought I had skills that could help others, so I looked for roles where I could make a difference," says Claudia Eckels, whose"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed1d054/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x823+0+69/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc3%2Fc4%2F2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba%2Feckels.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $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">Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/14/25 by <b>Evan Jones</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c3/c4/2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba/eckels.jpg" alt="eckels.jpg" width="1280" height="960"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as an AARP Virginia volunteer. Those she has helped include scores of recent volunteers and many older Americans seeking assistance with their tax returns.<br><br> Claudia’s career began in education, teaching for 10 years at the secondary school and college levels. She then switched to financial management, ultimately leading various teams in undertakings that included customer service, operations, product development and business development.<br><br> Those differing lines of work have served her well with AARP. Claudia had already been a member for some time when she retired in 2019, so when she set her sights on volunteering 20 months later, she immediately thought of AARP.<br><br> “I said ‘life is too short, I really need to think about doing something else,’ because I thought I had skills that could be helpful to other people. I looked for roles that enable me to do these kinds of things, and I could meet new people.”<br><br> Since then, she has met plenty of new people. After Claudia went on line to apply, AARP Virginia took note of her background in teaching and technology and asked if she would be willing to become a “portal champion.” It wasn’t long before she was contacting and screening many potential AARP volunteers. By the organization’s count, in 2023 alone, her efforts led to the addition of 83 new Virginia volunteers, helping them both in the screening process and in understanding and navigating the volunteer portal.<br><br> “That appealed to me very much,” she said, “because I like to help people find things they can be good at; maybe in some cases they didn’t even know they had (a particular) skill. And it’s a great way to help people find something that they enjoy doing that also obviously benefits the organization.”<br><br> AARP Virginia leaders say the benefits are indeed obvious — and they now reach the national level as Claudia provides virtual and in-person portal training for the organization’s volunteers and staff across the country. State Program Specialist Timothy Bothe said it is difficult to overstate her contributions.<br><br> “Claudia Eckels has been an exemplary volunteer for AARP Virginia, demonstrating unwavering dedication across numerous vital programs,” he said.<br><br> That unwavering dedication later took her in an additional direction: tax assistance. Claudia said the training was a “heavy lift,” but helping older Americans navigate their way through IRS tax returns has its own rewards.<br><br> “You essentially open up ways for them to understand their own finances better. They don’t become tax experts, nor do they want to, but a lot of them will end saying ‘I understand so much better now what’s going on. I don’t to do my own taxes, but I really appreciate the fact that you explained this to me in a simple way,’” Claudia said. “I love the ability to help people, mentor them, maybe demystify something that seems like it’s a really complicated process.”<br><br> If all that is not enough, Claudia Eckels is also a member of AARP Virginia’s Executive Council where she pays particular attention to enabling volunteers and helping them become more effective. For all these contributions and more, AARP Virginia honored Claudia with its 2024 State President's Award. Bothe said she is a most deserving recipient.<br><br> “Her multifaceted involvement underscores her profound impact on AARP Virginia and the communities it serves,” Bothe said.<br><br> As for Claudia, she said helping others by volunteering with AARP has made her own life better.<br><br> “My husband looked at me one day and said ‘there’s something new about you, a sudden spring in your step that hasn’t been there for a while.’ I get that same feedback from my family and other people that I meet. It’s made me so much more socially aware and active. I didn’t realize just how great that need was until I started getting more involved. It’s also made me a happier person.”<br> <br>See how far your volunteering can take you. Apply today at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/volunteer</a></span></span>.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '57617ffd0c4e268f7f8b5a10', 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'Windsor Heights', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'windsor-heights-ia' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Berwick', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'berwick-ia' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Norwalk', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'norwalk-ia' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'West Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'west-des-moines-ia' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Pleasant Hill', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'pleasant-hill-ia' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Urbandale', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'urbandale-ia' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Clive', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'clive-ia' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Altoona', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'altoona-ia' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Johnston', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'johnston-ia' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Ankeny', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'ankeny-ia' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Carlisle', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'carlisle-ia' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Grimes', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'grimes-ia' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Cumming', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'cumming-ia' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Bondurant', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'bondurant-ia' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 2 => 'berwick-ia', (int) 3 => 'norwalk-ia', (int) 4 => 'west-des-moines-ia', (int) 5 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 6 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 7 => 'clive-ia', (int) 8 => 'altoona-ia', (int) 9 => 'johnston-ia', (int) 10 => 'ankeny-ia', (int) 11 => 'carlisle-ia', (int) 12 => 'grimes-ia', (int) 13 => 'cumming-ia', (int) 14 => 'bondurant-ia', (int) 15 => 'waukee-ia' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},greater-des-moines-ia', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/hero/hiking3.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'greater-des-moines-ia-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Iowa', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Des Moines', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/IA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGIA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Iowa', 'contactus_email' => 'IAAARP@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpIA', 'state_contract_id' => '56002', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/iowa.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5820075409001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-iowas-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ia-2020-07-24.html', 'State_Label' => 'Iowa's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-iowa-ia-2021-02-03.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'des-moines-ia', 'instagram_link' => 'aarp_iowa', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Iowa.pdf', '211_helpline' => 'Y', 'full_state' => 'Iowa', 'county' => 'Polk', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -93.620300292969, (int) 1 => (float) 41.588798522949 ), 'latitude' => (float) 41.588798522949, 'longitude' => (float) -93.620300292969, 'city_state' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'city_state_search' => 'Des Moines IA,Des Miones IA,Des Monies IA,DesMiones IA,DesMoines IA', 'pilot_name' => 'Des Moines', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_id' => (int) 20, 'community_name' => 'Des Moines', 'community_state' => 'IA', 'community_region' => 'Central', 'brightspot_region' => 'des-moines-ia', 'title' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'DESMOINES', 'tracking_code_state' => 'IA', 'ad_state' => 'ia', 'ad_city' => 'des-moines', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/Chicago', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '50301', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/des-moines-ia/', 'alt_names' => 'Des Moines,Des Miones,Des Monies,DesMiones,DesMoines', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '50301', (int) 1 => '50302', (int) 2 => '50303', (int) 3 => '50304', (int) 4 => '50305', (int) 5 => '50306', (int) 6 => '50307', (int) 7 => '50308', (int) 8 => '50309', (int) 9 => '50310', (int) 10 => '50311', (int) 11 => '50312', (int) 12 => '50313', (int) 13 => '50314', (int) 14 => '50315', (int) 15 => '50316', (int) 16 => '50317', (int) 17 => '50318', (int) 18 => '50319', (int) 19 => '50320', (int) 20 => '50321', (int) 21 => '50322', (int) 22 => '50323', (int) 23 => '50324', (int) 24 => '50325', (int) 25 => '50327', (int) 26 => '50328', (int) 27 => '50329', (int) 28 => '50330', (int) 29 => '50331', (int) 30 => '50332', (int) 31 => '50333', (int) 32 => '50334', (int) 33 => '50335', (int) 34 => '50336', (int) 35 => '50338', (int) 36 => '50339', (int) 37 => '50340', (int) 38 => '50347', (int) 39 => '50350', (int) 40 => '50359', (int) 41 => '50360', (int) 42 => '50361', (int) 43 => '50362', (int) 44 => '50363', (int) 45 => '50364', (int) 46 => '50367', (int) 47 => '50368', (int) 48 => '50369', (int) 49 => '50380', (int) 50 => '50381', (int) 51 => '50391', (int) 52 => '50392', (int) 53 => '50393', (int) 54 => '50394', (int) 55 => '50395', (int) 56 => '50396', (int) 57 => '50397', (int) 58 => '50936', (int) 59 => '50940', (int) 60 => '50947', (int) 61 => '50950', (int) 62 => '50980', (int) 63 => '50981', (int) 64 => '50982', (int) 65 => '50983' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'des-miones-ia', (int) 2 => 'des-monies-ia', (int) 3 => 'desmiones-ia', (int) 4 => 'desmoines-ia', (int) 5 => 'beaverdale-ia', (int) 6 => 'highland-park-ia', (int) 7 => 'marquisville-ia', (int) 8 => 'saydel-ia', (int) 9 => 'saylorville-ia', (int) 10 => 'south-des-moines-ia', (int) 11 => 'capital-heights-ia', (int) 12 => 'carbondale-ia', (int) 13 => 'norwoodville-ia', (int) 14 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 15 => 'risingsun-ia', (int) 16 => 'state-of-iowa-ia', (int) 17 => 'wells-fargo-mortgage-ia', (int) 18 => 'visa-mastercard-ia', (int) 19 => 'american-republic-ia', (int) 20 => 'midamerican-energy-ia', (int) 21 => 'equitable-life-assurance-ia', (int) 22 => 'communications-data-service-ia', (int) 23 => 'citigroup-ia', (int) 24 => 'citigroup-brm-ia', (int) 25 => 'hp-other-ia', (int) 26 => 'allied-group-ia', (int) 27 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 28 => 'principal-financial-ia', (int) 29 => 'usps-bmc-ia', (int) 30 => 'first-interstate-bank-ia', (int) 31 => 'hp-proactive-ia', (int) 32 => 'boone-ia', (int) 33 => 'hp-sc-ye-ia', (int) 34 => 'clive-ia', (int) 35 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 36 => 'windsor-hts-ia', (int) 37 => 'hp-enterprise-services-ia' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '22174', (int) 1 => '22175', (int) 2 => '22176', (int) 3 => '22177', (int) 4 => '22178', (int) 5 => '22179', (int) 6 => '22180', (int) 7 => '22181', (int) 8 => '22182', (int) 9 => '22183', (int) 10 => '22184', (int) 11 => '22185', (int) 12 => '22186', (int) 13 => '22187', (int) 14 => '22188', (int) 15 => '22189', (int) 16 => '22190', (int) 17 => '22191', (int) 18 => '22192', (int) 19 => '22193', (int) 20 => '22194', (int) 21 => '22198', (int) 22 => '22199', (int) 23 => '22200', (int) 24 => '22201', (int) 25 => '22202', (int) 26 => '22203', (int) 27 => '22204', (int) 28 => '22205', (int) 29 => '22206', (int) 30 => '22207', (int) 31 => '22208', (int) 32 => '22209', (int) 33 => '22210', (int) 34 => '22211', (int) 35 => '22212', (int) 36 => '22213', (int) 37 => '22214', (int) 38 => '22215', (int) 39 => '22216', (int) 40 => '22217', (int) 41 => '22218', (int) 42 => '22219', (int) 43 => '22220', (int) 44 => '22221', (int) 45 => '22222', (int) 46 => '22223', (int) 47 => '22224', (int) 48 => '22225', (int) 49 => '22226', (int) 50 => '22227', (int) 51 => '22228', (int) 52 => '22229', (int) 53 => '22230', (int) 54 => '22468', (int) 55 => '22469', (int) 56 => '22470', (int) 57 => '22471', (int) 58 => '22472', (int) 59 => '22473', (int) 60 => '47056', (int) 61 => '47057', (int) 62 => '47059', (int) 63 => '47060', (int) 64 => '49166', (int) 65 => '49167' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'ia-des-moines' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</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/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-ask-me-anything-fraud-edition-72125-3zngmt79zzl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-ASK-ME-ANYTHING-FRAUD-EDITION-72125">AARP Live: Ask Me Anything – Fraud Edition, 7/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">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-DESMOINES-IA">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 Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</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:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@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/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as" name="description"/> <meta content="Volunteer, Spotlight, Claudia, Eckels, Impact, on, AARP, Virginia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia-va-2025-04-14.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content=""Life is too short. 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"Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/14/25 by <b>Evan Jones</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c3/c4/2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba/eckels.jpg" alt="eckels.jpg" width="1280" height="960"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as an AARP Virginia volunteer. Those she has helped include scores of recent volunteers and many older Americans seeking assistance with their tax returns.<br><br> Claudia’s career began in education, teaching for 10 years at the secondary school and college levels. She then switched to financial management, ultimately leading various teams in undertakings that included customer service, operations, product development and business development.<br><br> Those differing lines of work have served her well with AARP. Claudia had already been a member for some time when she retired in 2019, so when she set her sights on volunteering 20 months later, she immediately thought of AARP.<br><br> “I said ‘life is too short, I really need to think about doing something else,’ because I thought I had skills that could be helpful to other people. I looked for roles that enable me to do these kinds of things, and I could meet new people.”<br><br> Since then, she has met plenty of new people. After Claudia went on line to apply, AARP Virginia took note of her background in teaching and technology and asked if she would be willing to become a “portal champion.” It wasn’t long before she was contacting and screening many potential AARP volunteers. By the organization’s count, in 2023 alone, her efforts led to the addition of 83 new Virginia volunteers, helping them both in the screening process and in understanding and navigating the volunteer portal.<br><br> “That appealed to me very much,” she said, “because I like to help people find things they can be good at; maybe in some cases they didn’t even know they had (a particular) skill. And it’s a great way to help people find something that they enjoy doing that also obviously benefits the organization.”<br><br> AARP Virginia leaders say the benefits are indeed obvious — and they now reach the national level as Claudia provides virtual and in-person portal training for the organization’s volunteers and staff across the country. State Program Specialist Timothy Bothe said it is difficult to overstate her contributions.<br><br> “Claudia Eckels has been an exemplary volunteer for AARP Virginia, demonstrating unwavering dedication across numerous vital programs,” he said.<br><br> That unwavering dedication later took her in an additional direction: tax assistance. Claudia said the training was a “heavy lift,” but helping older Americans navigate their way through IRS tax returns has its own rewards.<br><br> “You essentially open up ways for them to understand their own finances better. They don’t become tax experts, nor do they want to, but a lot of them will end saying ‘I understand so much better now what’s going on. I don’t to do my own taxes, but I really appreciate the fact that you explained this to me in a simple way,’” Claudia said. “I love the ability to help people, mentor them, maybe demystify something that seems like it’s a really complicated process.”<br><br> If all that is not enough, Claudia Eckels is also a member of AARP Virginia’s Executive Council where she pays particular attention to enabling volunteers and helping them become more effective. For all these contributions and more, AARP Virginia honored Claudia with its 2024 State President's Award. Bothe said she is a most deserving recipient.<br><br> “Her multifaceted involvement underscores her profound impact on AARP Virginia and the communities it serves,” Bothe said.<br><br> As for Claudia, she said helping others by volunteering with AARP has made her own life better.<br><br> “My husband looked at me one day and said ‘there’s something new about you, a sudden spring in your step that hasn’t been there for a while.’ I get that same feedback from my family and other people that I meet. It’s made me so much more socially aware and active. I didn’t realize just how great that need was until I started getting more involved. It’s also made me a happier person.”<br> <br>See how far your volunteering can take you. Apply today at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/volunteer</a></span></span>.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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'' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '57617ffd0c4e268f7f8b5a10', 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'Windsor Heights', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'windsor-heights-ia' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Berwick', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'berwick-ia' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Norwalk', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'norwalk-ia' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'West Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'west-des-moines-ia' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Pleasant Hill', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'pleasant-hill-ia' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Urbandale', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'urbandale-ia' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Clive', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'clive-ia' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Altoona', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'altoona-ia' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Johnston', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'johnston-ia' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Ankeny', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'ankeny-ia' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Carlisle', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'carlisle-ia' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Grimes', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'grimes-ia' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Cumming', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'cumming-ia' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Bondurant', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'bondurant-ia' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 2 => 'berwick-ia', (int) 3 => 'norwalk-ia', (int) 4 => 'west-des-moines-ia', (int) 5 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 6 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 7 => 'clive-ia', (int) 8 => 'altoona-ia', (int) 9 => 'johnston-ia', (int) 10 => 'ankeny-ia', (int) 11 => 'carlisle-ia', (int) 12 => 'grimes-ia', (int) 13 => 'cumming-ia', (int) 14 => 'bondurant-ia', (int) 15 => 'waukee-ia' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},greater-des-moines-ia', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/hero/hiking3.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'greater-des-moines-ia-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Iowa', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Des Moines', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/IA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGIA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Iowa', 'contactus_email' => 'IAAARP@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpIA', 'state_contract_id' => '56002', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/iowa.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5820075409001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-iowas-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ia-2020-07-24.html', 'State_Label' => 'Iowa's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-iowa-ia-2021-02-03.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'des-moines-ia', 'instagram_link' => 'aarp_iowa', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Iowa.pdf', '211_helpline' => 'Y', 'full_state' => 'Iowa', 'county' => 'Polk', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -93.620300292969, (int) 1 => (float) 41.588798522949 ), 'latitude' => (float) 41.588798522949, 'longitude' => (float) -93.620300292969, 'city_state' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'city_state_search' => 'Des Moines IA,Des Miones IA,Des Monies IA,DesMiones IA,DesMoines IA', 'pilot_name' => 'Des Moines', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_id' => (int) 20, 'community_name' => 'Des Moines', 'community_state' => 'IA', 'community_region' => 'Central', 'brightspot_region' => 'des-moines-ia', 'title' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'DESMOINES', 'tracking_code_state' => 'IA', 'ad_state' => 'ia', 'ad_city' => 'des-moines', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/Chicago', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '50301', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/des-moines-ia/', 'alt_names' => 'Des Moines,Des Miones,Des Monies,DesMiones,DesMoines', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '50301', (int) 1 => '50302', (int) 2 => '50303', (int) 3 => '50304', (int) 4 => '50305', (int) 5 => '50306', (int) 6 => '50307', (int) 7 => '50308', (int) 8 => '50309', (int) 9 => '50310', (int) 10 => '50311', (int) 11 => '50312', (int) 12 => '50313', (int) 13 => '50314', (int) 14 => '50315', (int) 15 => '50316', (int) 16 => '50317', (int) 17 => '50318', (int) 18 => '50319', (int) 19 => '50320', (int) 20 => '50321', (int) 21 => '50322', (int) 22 => '50323', (int) 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'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</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/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-ask-me-anything-fraud-edition-72125-3zngmt79zzl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-ASK-ME-ANYTHING-FRAUD-EDITION-72125">AARP Live: Ask Me Anything – Fraud Edition, 7/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">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-DESMOINES-IA">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 Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</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:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@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/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as" name="description"/> <meta content="Volunteer, Spotlight, Claudia, Eckels, Impact, on, AARP, Virginia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia-va-2025-04-14.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content=""Life is too short. I thought I had skills that could help others, so I looked for roles where I could make a difference," says Claudia Eckels, whose"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed1d054/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x823+0+69/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc3%2Fc4%2F2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba%2Feckels.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta property="og:description" content=""Life is too short. I thought I had skills that could help others, so I looked for roles where I could make a difference," says Claudia Eckels, whose"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ed1d054/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x823+0+69/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc3%2Fc4%2F2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba%2Feckels.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $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">Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 04/14/25 by <b>Evan Jones</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/c3/c4/2dfff9d1468dbb3f3c90e8d5c6ba/eckels.jpg" alt="eckels.jpg" width="1280" height="960"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as an AARP Virginia volunteer. Those she has helped include scores of recent volunteers and many older Americans seeking assistance with their tax returns.<br><br> Claudia’s career began in education, teaching for 10 years at the secondary school and college levels. She then switched to financial management, ultimately leading various teams in undertakings that included customer service, operations, product development and business development.<br><br> Those differing lines of work have served her well with AARP. Claudia had already been a member for some time when she retired in 2019, so when she set her sights on volunteering 20 months later, she immediately thought of AARP.<br><br> “I said ‘life is too short, I really need to think about doing something else,’ because I thought I had skills that could be helpful to other people. I looked for roles that enable me to do these kinds of things, and I could meet new people.”<br><br> Since then, she has met plenty of new people. After Claudia went on line to apply, AARP Virginia took note of her background in teaching and technology and asked if she would be willing to become a “portal champion.” It wasn’t long before she was contacting and screening many potential AARP volunteers. By the organization’s count, in 2023 alone, her efforts led to the addition of 83 new Virginia volunteers, helping them both in the screening process and in understanding and navigating the volunteer portal.<br><br> “That appealed to me very much,” she said, “because I like to help people find things they can be good at; maybe in some cases they didn’t even know they had (a particular) skill. And it’s a great way to help people find something that they enjoy doing that also obviously benefits the organization.”<br><br> AARP Virginia leaders say the benefits are indeed obvious — and they now reach the national level as Claudia provides virtual and in-person portal training for the organization’s volunteers and staff across the country. State Program Specialist Timothy Bothe said it is difficult to overstate her contributions.<br><br> “Claudia Eckels has been an exemplary volunteer for AARP Virginia, demonstrating unwavering dedication across numerous vital programs,” he said.<br><br> That unwavering dedication later took her in an additional direction: tax assistance. Claudia said the training was a “heavy lift,” but helping older Americans navigate their way through IRS tax returns has its own rewards.<br><br> “You essentially open up ways for them to understand their own finances better. They don’t become tax experts, nor do they want to, but a lot of them will end saying ‘I understand so much better now what’s going on. I don’t to do my own taxes, but I really appreciate the fact that you explained this to me in a simple way,’” Claudia said. “I love the ability to help people, mentor them, maybe demystify something that seems like it’s a really complicated process.”<br><br> If all that is not enough, Claudia Eckels is also a member of AARP Virginia’s Executive Council where she pays particular attention to enabling volunteers and helping them become more effective. For all these contributions and more, AARP Virginia honored Claudia with its 2024 State President's Award. Bothe said she is a most deserving recipient.<br><br> “Her multifaceted involvement underscores her profound impact on AARP Virginia and the communities it serves,” Bothe said.<br><br> As for Claudia, she said helping others by volunteering with AARP has made her own life better.<br><br> “My husband looked at me one day and said ‘there’s something new about you, a sudden spring in your step that hasn’t been there for a while.’ I get that same feedback from my family and other people that I meet. It’s made me so much more socially aware and active. I didn’t realize just how great that need was until I started getting more involved. It’s also made me a happier person.”<br> <br>See how far your volunteering can take you. Apply today at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">www.aarp.org/volunteer</a></span></span>.</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Virginia. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/virginia/" target="_blank">AARP Virginia</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Notice</b> (8)</a>: Undefined index: slug [<b>APP/Lib/Localize.php</b>, line <b>152</b>]<div id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-code" class="cake-code-dump" style="display: none;"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">if(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strstr</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #DD0000">'=='</span><span style="color: #007700">)) {</span></span></code> <code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> </span><span style="color: #007700">list(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) = </span><span style="color: #0000BB">explode</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #DD0000">"=="</span><span style="color: #007700">,</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">1</span><span style="color: #007700">],</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code> <span class="code-highlight"><code><span style="color: #000000"><span style="color: #0000BB"> $text </span><span style="color: #007700">= </span><span style="color: #0000BB">str_replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">0</span><span style="color: #007700">], (</span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$token</span><span style="color: #007700">]) != </span><span style="color: #0000BB">strtolower</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$keyword</span><span style="color: #007700">) ? </span><span style="color: #0000BB">self</span><span style="color: #007700">::</span><span style="color: #0000BB">replace</span><span style="color: #007700">(</span><span style="color: #0000BB">$match</span><span style="color: #007700">[</span><span style="color: #0000BB">2</span><span style="color: #007700">], </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$town</span><span style="color: #007700">, </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$callCake</span><span style="color: #007700">): </span><span style="color: #DD0000">''</span><span style="color: #007700">), </span><span style="color: #0000BB">$text</span><span style="color: #007700">);</span></span></code></span></pre><pre id="cakeErr680eb66bb9648-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$text = '<!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> {ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif} {module_RHS - Tout A} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 1} {module_RHS - Join AARP Today} {module_RHS - Ad Slot 2} {module_FB - State Side Panel} {module_RHS - State Contact Us}' $town = array( '_id' => '57617ffd0c4e268f7f8b5a10', 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'nearby' => array( (int) 0 => array( 'city' => 'Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia' ), (int) 1 => array( 'city' => 'Windsor Heights', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'windsor-heights-ia' ), (int) 2 => array( 'city' => 'Berwick', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'berwick-ia' ), (int) 3 => array( 'city' => 'Norwalk', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'norwalk-ia' ), (int) 4 => array( 'city' => 'West Des Moines', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'west-des-moines-ia' ), (int) 5 => array( 'city' => 'Pleasant Hill', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'pleasant-hill-ia' ), (int) 6 => array( 'city' => 'Urbandale', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'urbandale-ia' ), (int) 7 => array( 'city' => 'Clive', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'clive-ia' ), (int) 8 => array( 'city' => 'Altoona', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'altoona-ia' ), (int) 9 => array( 'city' => 'Johnston', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'johnston-ia' ), (int) 10 => array( 'city' => 'Ankeny', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'ankeny-ia' ), (int) 11 => array( 'city' => 'Carlisle', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'carlisle-ia' ), (int) 12 => array( 'city' => 'Grimes', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'grimes-ia' ), (int) 13 => array( 'city' => 'Cumming', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'cumming-ia' ), (int) 14 => array( 'city' => 'Bondurant', 'state' => 'IA', 'sef_url' => 'bondurant-ia' ) ), 'local' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 2 => 'berwick-ia', (int) 3 => 'norwalk-ia', (int) 4 => 'west-des-moines-ia', (int) 5 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 6 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 7 => 'clive-ia', (int) 8 => 'altoona-ia', (int) 9 => 'johnston-ia', (int) 10 => 'ankeny-ia', (int) 11 => 'carlisle-ia', (int) 12 => 'grimes-ia', (int) 13 => 'cumming-ia', (int) 14 => 'bondurant-ia', (int) 15 => 'waukee-ia' ), 'season' => 'spring', 'aarp-events-image' => 'aarp-events', 'amusement-parks-image' => 'amusement-warm-c', 'arts-entertainment-image' => 'arts-all-bm', 'asset_version' => '240925', 'beaches-lakes-image' => 'beaches-lakes-cool-c', 'billboard1_caption' => 'Spring', 'billboard1_image_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/happenings/', 'billboard1_subtitle' => 'See the Real Possibilities', 'billboard1_thumb_title' => ' Happenings', 'billboard1_thumb_url' => '{local_happenings-image}', 'billboard1_title' => 'Get to know AARP in {local_city_c}', 'billboard2_image_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/{local_season}-fun/', 'billboard2_subtitle' => 'Explore fun and interesting things to do this {local_season} near you!', 'billboard2_thumb_title' => '{local_season_header}', 'billboard2_thumb_url' => '{local_season-image}', 'billboard2_title' => 'Time for {local_season_header}!', 'billboard3_image_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_link_url' => '/{local_sef_url}/volunteering/', 'billboard3_subtitle' => 'Make a difference!', 'billboard3_thumb_title' => 'Volunteering', 'billboard3_thumb_url' => '{local_volunteering-image}', 'billboard3_title' => 'Volunteering lifts everyone's spirits', 'bvideo_name' => '{local_full_state_c}', 'city-select-image' => 'cityselect-spring', 'coffee-image' => 'coffee-warm-m', 'coffee_radius' => '10', 'community_blogs_archive' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_blogs_list' => 'caregiving,healthy-living,savings-and-planning,work-and-jobs,life-reimagined,all,{local_state},greater-des-moines-ia', 'connect_town_groups' => '[{ "towns": { "atlanta-ga": { "name": "Atlanta, GA", "path": "/atlanta-ga/fight-fraud/" }, "chicago-il": { "name": "Chicago, IL", "path": "/chicago-il/fight-fraud/" }, "los-angeles-ca": { "name": "Los Angeles, CA", "path": "/los-angeles-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "new-york-ny": { "name": "New York City, NY", "path": "/new-york-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "phoenix-az": { "name": "Phoenix, AZ", "path": "/phoenix-az/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP1" }, { "towns": { "baltimore-md": { "name": "Baltimore Metro, MD", "path": "/baltimore-md/fight-fraud/" }, "dallas-tx": { "name": "Dallas, TX", "path": "/dallas-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "denver-co": { "name": "Denver, CO", "path": "/denver-co/fight-fraud/" }, "detroit-mi": { "name": "Detroit, MI", "path": "/detroit-mi/fight-fraud/" }, "orlando-fl": { "name": "Central Florida, FL", "path": "/orlando-fl/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "houston-tx": { "name": "Houston, TX", "path": "/houston-tx/fight-fraud/" }, "brookhaven-ny": { "name": "Long Island, NY", "path": "/brookhaven-ny/fight-fraud/?showtowns=true" }, "san-diego-ca": { "name": "San Diego County, CA", "path": "/san-diego-ca/fight-fraud/" }, "miami-fl": { "name": "South Florida, FL", "path": "/miami-fl/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP2" }, { "towns": { "charlotte-nc": { "name": "Charlotte, NC", "path": "/charlotte-nc/aarp-events/" }, "boston-ma": { "name": "Greater Boston, MA", "path": "/boston-ma/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "indianapolis-in": { "name": "Indianapolis, IN", "path": "/indianapolis-in/aarp-events/" }, "las-vegas-nv": { "name": "Las Vegas, NV", "path": "/las-vegas-nv/aarp-events/" }, "philadelphia-pa": { "name": "Philadelphia, PA", "path": "/philadelphia-pa/aarp-events/" }, "pittsburgh-pa": { "name": "Pittsburgh, PA", "path": "/pittsburgh-pa/aarp-events/" }, "portland-or": { "name": "Portland Metro, OR", "path": "/portland-or/aarp-events/" }, "seattle-wa": { "name": "Seattle, WA", "path": "/seattle-wa/aarp-events/" }, "saint-louis-mo": { "name": "St Louis, MO", "path": "/saint-louis-mo/aarp-events/" }, "minneapolis-mn": { "name": "Twin Cities, MN", "path": "/minneapolis-mn/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP3" }, { "towns": { "new-orleans-la": { "name": "Greater New Orleans, LA", "path": "/new-orleans-la/fight-fraud/" }, "hartford-ct": { "name": "Hartford, CT", "path": "/hartford-ct/fight-fraud/" }, "little-rock-ar": { "name": "Little Rock, AR", "path": "/little-rock-ar/fight-fraud/" }, "oahu-hi": { "name": "Oahu, HI", "path": "/oahu-hi/fight-fraud/" }, "omaha-ne": { "name": "Omaham, NE", "path": "/omaha-ne/fight-fraud/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP4" }, { "towns": { "des-moines-ia": { "name": "Des Moines, IA", "path": "/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" }, "fargo-nd": { "name": "Fargo, ND", "path": "/fargo-nd/aarp-events/" }, "allentown-pa": { "name": "Lehigh Valley, PA", "path": "/allentown-pa/aarp-events/?showtowns=true" }, "dale-city-va": { "name": "Prince William County, VA", "path": "/dale-city-va/aarp-events/" }, "worcester-ma": { "name": "Worcester County, MA", "path": "/worcester-ma/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP5" }, { "towns": { "charleston-wv": { "name": "Charleston, WV", "path": "/charleston-wv/aarp-events/" }, "helena-mt": { "name": "Lewis and Clark County, MT", "path": "/helena-mt/aarp-events/" }, "manchester-nh": { "name": "New Hampshire, NH", "path": "/manchester-nh/aarp-events/" }, "providence-ri": { "name": "Providence, RI", "path": "/providence-ri/aarp-events/" } }, "code": "CSN-LOCAL-GROUP6" }]', 'cvent_display_module' => 'false', 'cvent_widget_city' => '{local_city_state}', 'embed_video' => '<iframe width="100%" height="349" src="//players.brightcove.net/3772599298001/HkD6Qklb_default/index.html?videoId={local_embed_video_2}" allowfullscreen frameborder="0"></iframe>', 'espanol-news-header' => 'Noticias de {local_city}', 'espanol-news-image' => 'losangeles-spanish', 'events-image' => 'events-all', 'events_careversation_group_min' => '8', 'events_driversafety_group_min' => '8', 'events_index_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section 3}', 'events_tek_group_min' => '8', 'event_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/events-all-1140x655.jpg', 'event_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/event.jpg', 'event_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/event-t.jpg', 'fall-fun-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'fallfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-big-t.jpg', 'fallfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/fall-fun10.jpg', 'fallfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/fall-fun10-t.jpg', 'farmers-markets-image' => 'farmers-markets-c', 'find_it_fast_link_url' => 'jobs', 'find_it_fast_title' => 'Work & Jobs', 'gfg-image' => 'gfg-warm-c-2', 'google_disclaimer' => '<p><b>Please note:</b> These listings are provided via Google for the {local_city} community. <b>Listings here do NOT imply that an AARP member discount is offered.</b> Please see the <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/" target="_blank">AARP Membership & Benefits page</a> for a listing of businesses that do provide a member discount.</p>', 'happenings-image' => 'happenings-rural', 'happenings-tbd-pilot-text' => '<h2><span>Discover everything you can do with AARP</span></h2> <h3><span>See fun events, local offers, and more right where you live.</span></h3>', 'happenings_default_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/aarp-default-rp-min.png', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_10up' => 'AARP in {local_community_name}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state' => 'AARP in {local_full_state}', 'happenings_gold_slug_line_state_es' => 'AARP en {local_full_state}', 'happenings_heading' => '{local_city} Happenings', 'happenings_twitter_header' => 'More from {local_city}', 'hiking-image' => 'hiking-cool-c', 'hiking_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-big-t.jpg', 'hiking_hero_image' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/hero/hiking3.jpg', 'hiking_thumb' => 'https://cdn.local.aarp.org/img/template/thumbs/hiking3-t.jpg', 'home_events_slot1' => '{module_Cvent New Widget Section}', 'home_events_slot2' => '{module_HP - Blog - Learn More}', 'home_intro_text' => '<p> Select your community from the list below to learn about great programs, stimulating things to do, local services, discounts and more! </p>', 'hp-event-tout' => '{if_facebook_link}<div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" data-href="{local_facebook_link}" data-tabs="timeline" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"><blockquote cite="{local_facebook_link}" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="{local_facebook_link}">Facebook</a></blockquote></div></div> {endif}', 'ice_skating_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/ice-skating-all-1140x655.jpg', 'ice_skating_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/ice-skating.jpg', 'ice_skating_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/ice-skating-t.jpg', 'image_url' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/working-for-you.jpeg', 'jobs_widget_city' => '{local_city_c}', 'm2mredirect' => 'True', 'movies-image' => 'movies-all-c', 'movies_robots' => 'index, follow', 'name' => 'In Your Community', 'nature_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-big-t.jpg', 'nature_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/nature-center2.jpg', 'nature_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/nature-center2-t.jpg', 'nearme_map_radius' => '20', 'nearme_map_zip' => '{local_zip}', 'omniture_cookie' => 'greater-des-moines-ia-cp', 'page-title-right' => '{module_Event Snapshot Newsletter Signup}', 'parks-image' => 'parks-warm-c', 'pilot_towns_banner_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/classic/happenings-rural-240x140.jpg', 'pumpkin-picking-image' => 'fall-fun-all-1-pumpkins', 'recommendation_form_email' => 'jgunderson-palmer@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com,katherine@americantowns.com', 'recreation-image' => 'rec-cool-b', 'restaurantform_email' => 'bmazur@aarp.org,bekim@americantowns.com', 'restaurant_radius' => '10,20,30', 'season-activities' => 'Walking, microbreweries ', 'season-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'seasonal_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-big-t.jpg', 'seasonal_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/seasonal.jpg', 'seasonal_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/seasonal-t.jpg', 'season_header' => 'Spring Fun', 'season_title' => 'Spring', 'skiing_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-big-t.jpg', 'skiing_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/skiing.jpg', 'skiing_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/skiing-t.jpg', 'spring-fun-image' => 'spring-fun-warm-m', 'state_blog_header' => 'AARP State News', 'state_blog_name' => 'Iowa', 'summer-fun-image' => 'summer-fun-warm-m', 'tas_state_link' => 'https://takeastand.aarp.org/congressional-action-chart/?state={local_full_state_c}', 'term' => 'in Des Moines', 'thingstodo_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-big-t.jpg', 'thingstodo_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/things-to-do3.jpg', 'thingstodo_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/things-to-do3-t.jpg', 'vcc_featured_image' => 'https://s3.amazonaws.com/local-aarp/img/vcc/featured/20210430_4C9F7646-96EC-4C88-960A-997CE34788BC.jpg', 'veterans-image' => 'veterans', 'video_tout_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/video-touts/san-antonio-video.png', 'vineyards-wineries-image' => 'wineries', 'volunteer-today-button' => '<span class="media-middle"> <a href="https://www.aarp.org/volunteer/virtual/?intcmp=CSN-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLINT-20210331-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}" class="red btn" target="_blank">I WANT TO VOLUNTEER</a> </span>', 'volunteering-image' => 'volunteering-winter', 'volunteering-news-image' => 'volunteer-all-m-hands', 'volunteer_help_image' => 'volunteering-help-military-families', 'volunteer_help_link_name' => 'See Projects', 'volunteer_help_link_url' => 'https://www.createthegood.org/how-to-guides?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-VOLHTG-20140805-{local_tracking_code_town}-{local_tracking_code_state}', 'volunteer_help_subtitle' => 'Help Military Families', 'volunteer_help_title' => 'Do-It-Yourself Project Guides', 'winter-fun-image' => 'winter-fun-snow-c-ski', 'winterfun_big_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-big-t.jpg', 'winterfun_hero_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/hero/winter-fun.jpg', 'winterfun_pic_nav2' => '<li><a href="/{town_sef_url}/skiing/"><img src="{local_skiing_big_thumb}" title="Skiing"><span>Skiing</span></a></li>', 'winterfun_thumb' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/winter-fun-t.jpg', 'youtube_image' => 'https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/youtube.png', 'news_link' => 'https://www.aarp.org/IA?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-BLOGIA-20140101', 'contactus_text' => 'AARP Iowa', 'contactus_email' => 'IAAARP@aarp.org', 'contactus_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101', 'facebook_link' => 'https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa', 'twitter_link' => 'https://twitter.com/aarpIA', 'state_contract_id' => '56002', 'state_blog_flag' => 'https://states.aarp.org/wp-content/themes/aarpstates/images/state_flags/iowa.png', 'state_blog_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/', 'state_blog_rss' => 'https://states.aarp.org/region/iowa/feed', 'cold_state' => 'yes', 'embed_video_2' => '5820075409001', '2020_election_link' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/how-to-vote-in-iowas-2020-election-what-you-need-to-know-ia-2020-07-24.html', 'State_Label' => 'Iowa's', 'vaccine_url' => 'https://local.aarp.org/news/the-covid19-vaccine-distribution-plan-in-iowa-ia-2021-02-03.html', 'at_ski_resort' => 'y', 'state_capital' => 'des-moines-ia', 'instagram_link' => 'aarp_iowa', '2024_election_link' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/election-voting-guide', '2024_election_link_es' => 'https://states.aarp.org/iowa/elecciones-guia-para-votar', 'advanced_directives_link' => 'https://www.caringinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/Iowa.pdf', '211_helpline' => 'Y', 'full_state' => 'Iowa', 'county' => 'Polk', 'geo' => array( (int) 0 => (float) -93.620300292969, (int) 1 => (float) 41.588798522949 ), 'latitude' => (float) 41.588798522949, 'longitude' => (float) -93.620300292969, 'city_state' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'city_state_search' => 'Des Moines IA,Des Miones IA,Des Monies IA,DesMiones IA,DesMoines IA', 'pilot_name' => 'Des Moines', 'pilot_sef_url' => 'greater-des-moines-ia', 'community_id' => (int) 20, 'community_name' => 'Des Moines', 'community_state' => 'IA', 'community_region' => 'Central', 'brightspot_region' => 'des-moines-ia', 'title' => 'Des Moines, IA', 'subtitle' => 'Highlighting {local_city} ', 'tracking_code_town' => 'DESMOINES', 'tracking_code_state' => 'IA', 'ad_state' => 'ia', 'ad_city' => 'des-moines', 'ad_region' => null, 'timezone' => 'America/Chicago', 'type' => 'town', 'zip' => '50301', 'sef_url' => 'des-moines-ia', 'americantowns_url' => 'https://www.americantowns.com/des-moines-ia/', 'alt_names' => 'Des Moines,Des Miones,Des Monies,DesMiones,DesMoines', 'zipcodes' => array( (int) 0 => '50301', (int) 1 => '50302', (int) 2 => '50303', (int) 3 => '50304', (int) 4 => '50305', (int) 5 => '50306', (int) 6 => '50307', (int) 7 => '50308', (int) 8 => '50309', (int) 9 => '50310', (int) 10 => '50311', (int) 11 => '50312', (int) 12 => '50313', (int) 13 => '50314', (int) 14 => '50315', (int) 15 => '50316', (int) 16 => '50317', (int) 17 => '50318', (int) 18 => '50319', (int) 19 => '50320', (int) 20 => '50321', (int) 21 => '50322', (int) 22 => '50323', (int) 23 => '50324', (int) 24 => '50325', (int) 25 => '50327', (int) 26 => '50328', (int) 27 => '50329', (int) 28 => '50330', (int) 29 => '50331', (int) 30 => '50332', (int) 31 => '50333', (int) 32 => '50334', (int) 33 => '50335', (int) 34 => '50336', (int) 35 => '50338', (int) 36 => '50339', (int) 37 => '50340', (int) 38 => '50347', (int) 39 => '50350', (int) 40 => '50359', (int) 41 => '50360', (int) 42 => '50361', (int) 43 => '50362', (int) 44 => '50363', (int) 45 => '50364', (int) 46 => '50367', (int) 47 => '50368', (int) 48 => '50369', (int) 49 => '50380', (int) 50 => '50381', (int) 51 => '50391', (int) 52 => '50392', (int) 53 => '50393', (int) 54 => '50394', (int) 55 => '50395', (int) 56 => '50396', (int) 57 => '50397', (int) 58 => '50936', (int) 59 => '50940', (int) 60 => '50947', (int) 61 => '50950', (int) 62 => '50980', (int) 63 => '50981', (int) 64 => '50982', (int) 65 => '50983' ), 'urls' => array( (int) 0 => 'des-moines-ia', (int) 1 => 'des-miones-ia', (int) 2 => 'des-monies-ia', (int) 3 => 'desmiones-ia', (int) 4 => 'desmoines-ia', (int) 5 => 'beaverdale-ia', (int) 6 => 'highland-park-ia', (int) 7 => 'marquisville-ia', (int) 8 => 'saydel-ia', (int) 9 => 'saylorville-ia', (int) 10 => 'south-des-moines-ia', (int) 11 => 'capital-heights-ia', (int) 12 => 'carbondale-ia', (int) 13 => 'norwoodville-ia', (int) 14 => 'pleasant-hill-ia', (int) 15 => 'risingsun-ia', (int) 16 => 'state-of-iowa-ia', (int) 17 => 'wells-fargo-mortgage-ia', (int) 18 => 'visa-mastercard-ia', (int) 19 => 'american-republic-ia', (int) 20 => 'midamerican-energy-ia', (int) 21 => 'equitable-life-assurance-ia', (int) 22 => 'communications-data-service-ia', (int) 23 => 'citigroup-ia', (int) 24 => 'citigroup-brm-ia', (int) 25 => 'hp-other-ia', (int) 26 => 'allied-group-ia', (int) 27 => 'urbandale-ia', (int) 28 => 'principal-financial-ia', (int) 29 => 'usps-bmc-ia', (int) 30 => 'first-interstate-bank-ia', (int) 31 => 'hp-proactive-ia', (int) 32 => 'boone-ia', (int) 33 => 'hp-sc-ye-ia', (int) 34 => 'clive-ia', (int) 35 => 'windsor-heights-ia', (int) 36 => 'windsor-hts-ia', (int) 37 => 'hp-enterprise-services-ia' ), 'town_ids' => array( (int) 0 => '22174', (int) 1 => '22175', (int) 2 => '22176', (int) 3 => '22177', (int) 4 => '22178', (int) 5 => '22179', (int) 6 => '22180', (int) 7 => '22181', (int) 8 => '22182', (int) 9 => '22183', (int) 10 => '22184', (int) 11 => '22185', (int) 12 => '22186', (int) 13 => '22187', (int) 14 => '22188', (int) 15 => '22189', (int) 16 => '22190', (int) 17 => '22191', (int) 18 => '22192', (int) 19 => '22193', (int) 20 => '22194', (int) 21 => '22198', (int) 22 => '22199', (int) 23 => '22200', (int) 24 => '22201', (int) 25 => '22202', (int) 26 => '22203', (int) 27 => '22204', (int) 28 => '22205', (int) 29 => '22206', (int) 30 => '22207', (int) 31 => '22208', (int) 32 => '22209', (int) 33 => '22210', (int) 34 => '22211', (int) 35 => '22212', (int) 36 => '22213', (int) 37 => '22214', (int) 38 => '22215', (int) 39 => '22216', (int) 40 => '22217', (int) 41 => '22218', (int) 42 => '22219', (int) 43 => '22220', (int) 44 => '22221', (int) 45 => '22222', (int) 46 => '22223', (int) 47 => '22224', (int) 48 => '22225', (int) 49 => '22226', (int) 50 => '22227', (int) 51 => '22228', (int) 52 => '22229', (int) 53 => '22230', (int) 54 => '22468', (int) 55 => '22469', (int) 56 => '22470', (int) 57 => '22471', (int) 58 => '22472', (int) 59 => '22473', (int) 60 => '47056', (int) 61 => '47057', (int) 62 => '47059', (int) 63 => '47060', (int) 64 => '49166', (int) 65 => '49167' ), 'has_happenings' => 'true', 'cvent_community_code' => 'ia-des-moines' ) $callCake = true $matches = array( (int) 0 => array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) ) $match = array( (int) 0 => '{ifnot_slug==healthy-living/map} {module_RHS - AARP Events} {endif}', (int) 1 => 'slug==healthy-living/map', (int) 2 => ' {module_RHS - AARP Events} ' ) $token = 'slug' $keyword = 'healthy-living/map'</pre><pre class="stack-trace">Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 152 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118</pre></div></pre><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Des Moines</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/aarp-live-decluttering-for-today-and-tomorrow-51925-87nw6zdbytm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-DECLUTTERING-FOR-TODAY-AND-TOMORROW-51925">AARP Live: Decluttering for Today and Tomorrow , 5/19/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-social-security-whats-right-for-you-61625-glnbkkyk2gm.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-SOCIAL-SECURITY-WHATS-RIGHT-FOR-YOU-61625">AARP Live: Social Security: What’s Right For You? , 6/16/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jun 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</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-live-ask-me-anything-fraud-edition-72125-3zngmt79zzl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-LIVE-ASK-ME-ANYTHING-FRAUD-EDITION-72125">AARP Live: Ask Me Anything – Fraud Edition, 7/21/25</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. CT</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Last Chance to Save!<br />New Pricing Coming in 2025.</div> <br /> <p> This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.<br />Don't miss out, join today and save!<br /><br /> </p> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-DESMOINES-IA">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-DESMOINES-IA">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 Iowa Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Iowa Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" data-tabs="timeline" width="" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Des Moines</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:IAAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IAAARP@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/iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Iowa</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-us-2/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-DESMOINES-IA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpiowa" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/facebook.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpIA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img style="max-width: 48px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/twitter.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarp_iowa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img style="max-width: 56px; top: 0px; left: -2px; position: relative;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/page/icons/instagram.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="“Exemplary,” “unwavering” and “profound” are just three of the words AARP leaders use to define Claudia Eckels’ importance and impact as" name="description"/> <meta content="Volunteer, Spotlight, Claudia, Eckels, Impact, on, AARP, Virginia" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/virginia/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/volunteer-spotlight-claudia-eckels-impact-on-aarp-virginia-va-2025-04-14.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Volunteer Spotlight: Claudia Eckels’ Impact on AARP Virginia"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content=""Life is too short. 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max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '240925' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '/* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement { margin: 40px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item img { width: auto; max-width: 100% !important; height: auto; } @media (min-width: 768px) { .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=left], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-left] .Enhancement-item > * { float: left; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 20px 20px 0; } .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement .Enhancement-item .Figure[data-alignment=right], .RichTextArticleBody .Enhancement[data-align-right] .Enhancement-item > * { float: right; max-width: 340px !important; margin: 0 0 20px 20px; } } :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Des Moines, IA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Home</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">State & Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/des-moines-ia/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep d-none " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/des-moines-ia/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118