A Note from the SC State Director
Posted on 02/23/24
March/April 2024
| Greetings! Spring is finally here along with longer sunshine-filled evenings. AARP is energized and already springing into action. We kicked off the season with free shred events in Fairfield and Charleston counties, engaged with the community at Charleston's Senior Expo, launched our first iPhone course in Greenville, sponsored a three-day veterans' benefits fair in Columbia, celebrated Women’s History month with Sumter's women pioneers at Morris College and kicked off the annual virtual cooking series with Greenville's Chef Veera. On the advocacy front, leadership volunteers are on the move. One hot topic has been utilities. Columbia's John Ruoff testified in opposition to State House Bill 5118 out of concern for decreased consumer protections that could impact your wallets when you get future utility bills. Additionally, we are working to fight against Duke Energy’s proposed rate hike. I invite you to learn how you can speak out on this issue too. In the transportation arena, Barnwell's Karen Patterson has also been working with local leaders to support enhancing transportation services in her rural community. Karen also serves on AARP South Carolina's Executive Council of volunteers representing the seven Congressional Districts in addition to her leadership as the AARP Driver Safety coordinator. Volunteer State President Cassandra Addison and volunteer Roger Addison also made rounds meeting with legislators on AARP priorities at both the State House and at legislative events along with former Executive Council member Darryl Eickhoff and current Executive Council member Karen Patterson. Cassandra Addison has an exciting roll out of ways to get more older adults moving and digitally engaged. Stay tuned!! AARP South Carolina's statewide footprint is growing. More virtual and in-person events are planned this spring so be on the lookout for updates in future newsletters. If you’d like to be part of the AARP South Carolina team, then sign up today to become a volunteer. AARP is community and you are AARP! Thanks for all you do! Charmaine Fuller Cooper AARP State Director |
