Montano Column:

The October 2024 AARP Volunteer Summit was an incredible gathering, brimming with excitement and a powerful sense of purpose! Each year, dedicated AARP volunteers from across the state and our tight-knit team of four staff from the Wyoming State Office come together to reconnect, rejuvenate, and dive into fresh ideas and initiatives that strengthen our communities. This year, we saw our shared commitment deepen toward AARP's five priorities: Fraud Prevention, Caregiving, Social Connections, Veterans Support, and Brain Health.

One of the summit's most inspiring aspects was the connections forged through collaboration on our 2025 goals. Hearing such positive feedback from the volunteers underscored the power of community and teamwork. In breakout sessions, our volunteers explored how new technologies can enhance the remarkable ideas they're bringing to the table. Every moment from sunrise to evening campfire was infused with camaraderie and enthusiasm for AARP's mission.

The early morning activities were truly unique and energized everyone. Our ìHorsing Around with AI horseback riding session invited participants to engage with technology in new ways. Meanwhile, "Phishing for Fraud" saw some volunteers heading out for early morning fishing, adding friendly competition with prizes for the most, biggest, and first catches. By the end, one fisherwoman swept all the awards. In another session, a brain health scavenger hunt made wellness and mental agility exciting and engaging.

We gathered around the campfire in the evenings, sharing caregiver tips and heartwarming stories. With marshmallows roasting and our State Director, Sam Shumway, playing his guitar, we sang together and bonded over the shared experiences that define our work and mission.

We also honored this yearís Andrus Award winner, Jack Wood, and our Sheridan Volunteer of the Year, Candi Crist, celebrating their exceptional dedication to Wyomingís communities. Other state honorees, BJ Jibben (Cheyenne Volunteer of the Year), Shirlee Jacobson (Frontier Mall Manager Community Partner of the Year), and Tracey Swaim (Fraud Fighter of the Year), though unable to attend the summit, were later celebrated in Cheyenne, ensuring their impact was recognized and appreciated.

Our final day of the summit was dedicated to giving back. During AARP Day of Service, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to assist at The Ranch at Ucross, tending to flower beds, harvesting vegetables, and even helping the chef with canning making a lasting difference at our beautiful summit venue.

Looking forward to 2025, we are more determined than ever to empower Wyoming's older adults by building on our five core priorities. Each area of fraud prevention, caregiving, social connections, veterans support, and brain health presents vital opportunities to foster a resilient, informed, and connected community across the state.

We hope more of you will join this journey of impact and connection! If you're inspired to make a difference and contribute to meaningful change, consider volunteering with AARP Wyoming. Reach out to Stella Montano at smontano@aarp.org to learn how you can be part of this incredible movement in 2025 and beyond. Let's make Wyoming a stronger, more connected community for all.