e-Bulletin
Click on the date to download the current e-Bulletin as a pdf fileMay 2013
Click here to view the May e-Bulletin online. Click the date above to download a non-clickable pdf.
VAN FORUM: Eating Your Age
Welcoming May
May is better speech and hearing month!
Calendar of Events
Volunteer Opportunities
Past Bulletins
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- April 2013
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Mayday Eve Celebration
VAN FORUM: Finding Reliable Online Health Information
CarFit: Ensuring Your Car's Safest Fit
Cooks of Crocus Hill: LifeRecipe Wellness Demonstrations
Aging Workforce Summit
In the News
Calendar of Events
Volunteer Opportunities
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- March 2013
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I N T H I S I S S U E
Striking a Creative Spark
FROM THE CHAIR: Life's Journey
VAN FORUM: Making Advance Care Planning Choices
Selim Center for Learning in Later Life
Calendar of Events
Volunteer Opportunities
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- January 2013
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I N T H I S I S S U E
VAN FORUM: Be Your Own Healthcare Advocate
Research Project: Older Adults and Technology
Reflections from My Experience as Chair
Introducing Pamela Hayle
Evolve in Northern Suburbs
Aging with Gusto Update
History Day 2013: You Can Help!
Calendar of Events
Volunteer Opportunities
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- November 2012
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VAN FORUM: Eating your age
Evolve: Re-igniting Self & Community
Give to the Max: Help Support the Vital Aging Network
Healthy Meals Keep Older Adults Home
For Your Calendar
Volunteer Opportunities
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- October 2012
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You've Earned a Say: Make your voice heard on Medicare and Social Security
Evolve Registration Deadline Oct 8
Eating Your Age: Tips and tricks you need to eat well
Aging with Gusto
For Your Calendar
Volunteer Opportunities
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- September 2012
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FROM THE CHAIR: Thinking About Ageism
Evolve Starts October 12
Elsa Batica: Helping Make Filipino Students' Voices Heard
Rembrandt: Revealing Portraits of the Artist as an Aging Man, Sept 4
Salon on Social Isolation, Sept 19
For Your Calendar
Volunteer Opportunities
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- June 2012 e-Bulletin (Click to download pdf)
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VAN FORUM - Good for Business: Making the Most of the Maturing Workforce
Boomers May Be Key to Future Economic Growth
Resources About Older Adults and Work
VAN Night at the Guthrie
Mary Peterson: Evolve Preps for Encore Career
Websites You Should Know About
For Your Calendar
Volunteer Opportunities
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- May 2012
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MAY VAN FORUM
Hartland to Capitol Hill: The Journey of a Wounded Healer
JUNE VAN FORUM
Good for Business: Making the Most of the Maturing Workforce
Planning Retirement? Consider Evolve
Volunteer Opportunities
For Your Calendar
In the News - April 2012
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VAN's Mayday Eve Celebration. Enjoy a delightful evening with the Kairos Dance Theatre and the VAN network.
Maria Genné: Everyone Needs to Dance
New Evolve Class Starts October 12
Volunteer Opportunities
For Your Calendar
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- March 2012 (Click to Download pdf)
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VAN FORUM You've Earned a Say: Making Your Voice Heard on Medicare and Social Security
Five Things to Know About Medicare, Social Security, and the Budget Deficit
Dignity and Disaster
From the Chair: Dignity and Aging
Volunteer Opportunities
For Your Calendar
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- December 2011 (Click to Download)
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VAN Forum: Fraud Fighters - Spot Fraud and Stop It!
Be the Change: Making a Difference in Your Community
Pauly's List: Connecting Saint Paul Seniors to Quality Businesses
Proper Disposal of Medications
Removing Barriers for 50+ Volunteers
Thank You to Our Contributors
New Resources
Volunteer Opportunities
Calendar of Events
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- September 2011
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Click below to view the
September bulletin online
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- February 2011
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Cool Tools for Older Adults
Nominations for the 2011 Dutch Kastenbaum Award
From the Chair: As Boomers Age, We Can Expect More and Better Assistive Devices
Tribute to Lisa HarmonVolunteering Spotlight
Calendar of Events
- January 2011
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Link to online e-Bulletin
ALVA Connection's Book and Brew
Make History Day a Success
Volunteering Spotlight
Calendar of Events
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- June 2010
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Download the June 2010 e-Bulletin
Or click below to view individual articles:
Mental Illness and Older Adults
Major Depression and Seniors and Suicide
From the Chair: Helping Others is Good for You
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- May 2010
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Unleashing the Potential of Older Volunteers
By Sam Schuth, MN State Office Director, Corporation for National and Community Service
Forming a Movement for Civic Engagement
By Mark Skeie, VAN Leadership Group Member and Former VAN Chair
Know Your Audience?
By Lucy Swift, Director, Partnership Development, Twin Cities Public Television
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- April 2010
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VAN Forum(S)
Disability Awareness: Living an Active and Engaged Life
Co-sponsored with the Courage Center
VAN is offering this Forum on two different dates and locations.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at:
Courage Center*
3915 Golden Valley Road
Golden Valley, MN 55422 [map]
*Please note: Accessible parking will only be available at the Courage Center. All other parking is offered at Valley Community Presbyterian Church, 3100 N. Lilac Drive, Golden Valley. A free shuttle bus will take you to the Courage Center.
More information and Register for the free April 13th Forum
or
Thursday, April 15, 2010
10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at:
Family Means
1875 Northwestern Ave. S.
Stillwater, MN 55082 [map]
More information and Register for the free April 15th Forum
A Generational Look at Disability
VAN Program Specialist, Emily Strand, examines the role that age plays in adjusting to a life with disability.
Never Give Up!
The Courage Center provides an inspiring story of a man, Denny, who is living an active and engaged life despite having a disability.
Safe Driving at Any Age
The ability to drive a vehicle as we age is a significant predictor of quality of life. Given that fact, it is important to learn what we can do to protect ourselves, other drivers, and pedestrians around us.
From the Chair
Working Together, Aging and Disability Groups Can Be a Powerful Force
Traditionally few connections, if any, have existed between younger adults who struggle with long-term disabilities and older adults who become disabled in late life.
2010 Health Care Choices Booklets are now available.
The Minnesota Board on Aging recently submitted a Communities for a Lifetime Report.
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- March 2010
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This month's e-Bulletin is now available!
Here's what's in it!
VAN Forum
Gardening for Health and Common Good
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Think Garden. It's a Great Break from Winter!
Julie Weisenhorn, University of Minnesota Extension writes, "There's no doubt that eating better - fresh fruits and vegetables from a home garden - can boost your overall health and well-being."
Gardening Resources for 2010
With spring just around the corner, the following are some tips to get your garden off to a great start.
Community Supported Agriculture: Bringing Farm-Fresh Food Home
Jeanne Lakso, Linden Hills Co-op believes that, "If you don't have a green thumb, a sunny backyard, or the inclination to grow your own veggies, you can find many other ways to eat locally year round."
From the Chair
Growing and Nurturing the Vital Aging Network
Though VAN Chair, Nancy Eustis, is happy to think about gardening, she is more preoccupied with growing and nurturing the Vital Aging Network.
CSA Farms: More than Fresh Veggies
Peg Johnson, Treasured Haven Farms, CSAs provide an option for folks to know where and how their food is grown, and to receive a fresh box of lovingly produced, chemical free veggies weekly through the growing season.
The Future of Long-Term Care Forum has been RESCHEDULED.
The Future of Long-Term Care Forum has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March, 24, 2010 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM At Rondo Community Outreach Library.
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- February 2010
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This month's e-Bulletin is now available.
Here's what's in it.
VAN Forum:
The Future of Long-Term Care: Finding Effective and Affordable Models
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
The CLASS Act: A Promising Approach for Long-Term Care
Kathryn Roberts, President and CEO of Ecumen writes, "Most of us are uninsured and unprepared to care for loved ones who suffer from Alzheimer's or who need long-term services and supports for other reasons."
Financing Long-Term Care
LaRhae Knatterud, MN Department of Human Services, believes that as the demographic shift occurs, providing long-term care for this large group of older people will become one of the state's most critical issues.
ALVA Project: A Guide for Life Planning
Peggy Gaard and Gail Skoglund, former ALVA students, believe that people can make meaningful and purposeful choices throughout their lives. They created Proactive to Stay Active: A Blueprint for Aging by Choice to make it easier for people to do so and to be sure that those around them support their choices.
Successful Aging in Place Takes Planning
Despite the savings that more use of community-based services provide, the future costs of long-term care still threaten to overwhelm states' budgets. Add your comments!
The Minnesota Gerontological Society is currently accepting applications for the Dutch Kastenbaum Award to recognize an outstanding gerontologist who has demonstrated his or her commitment to the field of aging through practice, research, or academics. Nominations are due February 15, 2010.
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- January 2010
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Click on the article title to go to the link:
VAN Forum
Healthcare Reform in Minnesota: The Impact on Older Adults
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 - Wilder Center Auditorium, St. Paul, MN
8:00 AM to 12:30 PM (8:00 AM - 9:00AM registration and continental breakfast; program begins at 9:00 AM)
Preregistration is required for this forum. Register early - the forum will sell out.
Fee (includes continental breakfast):
$20 - General admission
$10 - Retirees, encore career seekers
Making Sense of Healthcare Reform
Rapid growth in healthcare cost puts a strain on families as well as businesses and governments. More individuals are uninsured, especially the self employed and people working for small businesses, and employees' shares of premiums for insurance from employers have risen dramatically (119 percent since1999). Wages have grown much more slowly, causing many to find payment of these premiums difficult.
What Have you Done for your Health Lately?
While current national debate on healthcare reform focuses on universal healthcare, many believe that prevention and management of chronic disease warrants much greater attention.
From the Chair: Proposed Healthcare Reform and Medicine
The Vital Aging Network's new Chair, Nancy Eustis, Ph.D., offers her perspective on healthcare reform. She writes, " I am pleased and honored to be the new chair of the Vital Aging Network. In keeping with the theme of this bulletin, I will comment on a topic related to national healthcare reform. Add your comments!
Announcements
The Minnesota Gerontological Society is currently accepting applications for the Dutch Kastenbaum Award to recognize an outstanding gerontologist who has demonstrated his or her commitment to the field of aging through practice, research, or academics. Nominations are due February 15, 2010.
Civic Ventures has created a new guide to finding work that matters for those who are searching for a purpose-driven job at midlife.
Check out VAN's Calendar for upcoming events!
Learn about volunteer opportunities.
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- December 2009
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Click on the article title to go to a particular article.
VAN Forum: Creativity, Dance, and Storytelling: Staying Active, Vital, and Engaged Creativity
A Story: Miz Maybelle and the Devil
How to Tell a Story
Safeguarding Investments for Minnesota's Future
From the Chair: Ending a Productive Year
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- November 2009
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VAN Forum: Building Bridges Understanding the Hmong in our communities
Building Cultural Competence
Cultural Etiquette for Interacting with Traditional Hmong
Connecting Generations through Story
Strength in Diversity
Volunteering Spotlight
For Your Calendar
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- October 2009
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VAN Forum: Protecting Minnesota's Environment and Saving Dollars: The Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment and Apple Valley's Green Initiatives
Cut Your Energy Bills: You can save $1,500 with these four strategies
Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment
Inform Yourself
ALVA Leadership Development
Volunteering Spotlight
For Your Calendar
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- September 2009
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VAN Forum: Alzheimer's Awareness: What can you do to prevent, understand, and treat dementia?
So, What Was I Looking for? Normal Cognitive Aging
Elder Care Consultants' Class Offering
The Sand Trap
Leaving a Legacy
Alzheimer's: Forgetting Piece by Piece
Volunteering Spotlight
For Your Calendar
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- August 2009
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VAN Forum: ALVA: Turning Your Lifetime of Experience into Leadership That Matters
Wise Leadership: Putting Your Energy Where It Counts
Changing Your Life through ALVA: Three Stories
Launching New Opportunities In Your Life
Volunteering Spotlight
For Your Calendar
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- July 2009
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VAN Forum: Getting a Handle on Social Networking
Social Networking Offers Many Potential Benefits
2009 n4a Annual Conference and Tradeshow
Social Networking 101
Social Networking: Just One More Way to Maintain Networks
Volunteering Spotlight
For Your Calendar
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- June 2009
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VAN FORUM: Communities for a Lifetime
Will Your Community Support You as You Age?
Communities for a Lifetime Legislation
Forum on Boomers and Civic Engagement
Getting Help with Your Chores
From the Chair
Volunteering Spotlight
For Your Calendar
- May 2009
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Boomers and Civic Engagement
Making Children's Eyes Light Up through Experience Corps
Four Stages to Engaging the Volunteers of the Future
Serve America Act
From the Chair
Volunteering Spotlight
For Your Calendar
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- April 2009
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Putting Your Passion into Action: Reinventing Volunteerism
How to Create a Higher-Impact Volunteer Experience
Making Life Better: Three 2009 ALVA Projects
From the Chair
Volunteering Spotlight
For Your Calendar
Seven Tips to Capitalize on Volunteer Resources
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- March 2009
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Fostering Healthy Communities
Medical Homes Offer Promise for Improved Health Care
Tips for Talking to Your Doctor
m the Chair
Volunteering Spotlight
For Your Calendar
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- February 2009
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VAN FORUM: Public Transit in the Twin Cities
Maintaining Mobility in an Aging Population
Tips for Older Drivers
AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program
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- January 2009
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Aging Policy Summit: Vision for the Future
Aging Policy in Perspective
From the Chair
Volunteering Spotlight
For Your Calendar
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- December 2008
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Supporting and Advocating for Vital Communities
Twin Cities Preparedness for an Aging Population
Positive Aspects of Aging
From the Chair
Volunteering Spotlight
For Your Calendar
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- November 2008
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VAN FORUM: Self-Care for Caregivers
Be Prepared to Be a Caregiver
Resources for Caregivers
Volunteering Spotlight
From the Chair
For Your Calendar
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- October 2008
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VAN Forum: Don Shelby on Project Energy Easy Energy Efficiency Saves ALVA Leadership Course Kick-Off
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- September 2008
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VAN Forum: Vital Legal Planning
VAN Regional Forums
ALVA: What is Next for You?
Volunteering Spotlight
SagePresence Brings Storytelling to ALVA
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- August 2008
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VAN Forum: Latino Elders and Hospice Care
Growing Cultural Mix among Elderly
Announcing VAN's New Website
ALVA: Brain Surge
Volunteering Spotlight
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- July 2008
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VAN Forum - Social Entrepreneurship
ALVA class to begin October 10, 2008
Journalists Exchange on Aging
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- June 2008
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VAN Forum - ALVA Preview
Launch of Speakers Bureau
Great Web Sites
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- May 2008
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VAN Forum - Citizens League: Common Ground, Common Good
Brain Games
Mapping Your Retirement featured in StarTribune article
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- April 2008
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VAN Forum - Find Your Creative Art
Nature, Family and Children: A Necessary Connection
It's April. . . Are You Feeling Taxed?
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- March 2008
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VAN Forum - Local Action, Global Results: Influencing International Conflicts
Aging Friendly Communities
State Perspectives on Work
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- February 2008
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VAN Forum - Effective Advocacy
Jan Hively Edits Online Newsletter "Itineraries"
Leave an Environmental Legacy
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- January 2008
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VAN Forum - VAN's Vision for the Future
Kairos Dance Theatre Wins National Awards
500,000 Wishes Campaign
Sesquicentennial Recipe Collection
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- December 2011 e-Bulletin
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VAN FORUM: Fraud Fighters - Spot Fraud and Stop It!
Be the Change: Making a Difference in Your Community
Proper Disposal of Medications
Removing Barriers for 50+ Volunteers
Thank You to Our Contributors
New Resources
Volunteer Opportunities
Calendar of Events
- February 2012 (Click to Download pdf)
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VAN FORUM: Aging in Place
A Fruitful Year for
the Vital Aging Network
What’s New?
From the Chair
Volunteering Spotlight
For Your Calendar - March 2013
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Striking a Creative Spark
FROM THE CHAIR: Life's Journey
VAN FORUM: Making Advance Care Planning Choices
Selim Center for Learning in Later Life
Calendar of Events
Volunteer Opportunities - October 2012 e-Bulletin (pdf)
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You've Earned a Say: Make your voice heard on Medicare and Social Security
Evolve Registration Deadline Oct 8
Eating Your Age: Tips and tricks you need to eat well
Aging with Gusto
For Your Calendar
Volunteer Opportunities

