Topic: AARP

Will uncontrolled debt be the downfall of America? I.O.U.S.A. may have the answer

By Christine Anne Piesyk | August 22, 2008 |

The audience was small but enthusiastic at Opry Mills 20 in Nashville last night for the national premiere of I.O.U.S.A. and a live panel broadcast that put the opinions and experience of five fiscal leader in the line of fire from the public.

For one night only, both Opry Mills and Nashville’s Green Hills cinemas screened what can only be described as a new kind of horror film, I.O.U.S.A., a Sundance award-winning documentary on the state of the nation’s finances. The picture isn’t pretty.

The film itself is a medley of old political footage, newly taped events, lots of graphics and a occasionally irritating hand held cam in need of a steadier ride. Its opening is an eclectic selection of former Presidents, and current President George W. Bush, making statements about how we must get the economy (read: out of control spending) under control. From Presidents Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, the first G. Bush, Clinton and the current White occupant, we hear the same noise. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Arts and Leisure, Business, Education, Issues, News, Opinion | 1 Comment »

AARP: A resource for seniors, ‘boomers

By Rev. Charles Moreland | June 22, 2008 |

AARP (American Association of retired Persons) is a national organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens. Clarksville has a dynamic AARP chapter where an enthusiastic groups of people age 50 and meet socially and serve the community with a variety of social actions.

AARP is political but non-partisan, and wields considerable influence on state and federal legislation, serving as the voice of their demographics. They do so without endorsing specific candidates and they remain issue oriented.

To educate and inform their membership. AARP publishes a monthly magazine with the largest circulation in America. the March/April edition got my attention with the cover photo of a smiling Jack Nicholson, one of the outstanding actors of our generation.

Besides an insightful article on him, the magazine from cover to cover offers articles with practical information. Two articles in particular that apply to many of us involve dealing with stress: “Riding Out a Recession” and “Finding Faith” (a search for spiritual peace). «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Education, Events, Issues, Opinion | 1 Comment »

Replace those resolutions with goals, objectives and dreams

By Christine Anne Piesyk | January 1, 2008 |

New Year’s Resolutions. We’ve all made them. Lose weight. Save money. Eat healthy. Buy a new car. Some happen. Most don’t. I gave up New Year’s resolutions a long time ago. I work with a difference plan now, and its not limited to just one year.

That down time between Christmas turkey and the glitter of the New Year (which I usually view through closed eyelids), is the time I set aside to assess, re-assess, red line discontinued items and add to an ever shape-shifting list of — dreams.

Dreams are just plans that haven’t come true yet. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Opinion, Spirituality | No Comments

Autumn: Blessings of a second spring

By Rev. Charles Moreland | November 18, 2007 |

In the Bits and Pieces column of our AARP newsletter is an article that hints of the changes we experience in life — regardless of age:

• Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower [Albert Camus]
• Life is short! Be swift to love. Make haste to be kind. [Henri Amiel]
• You can judge your age by the amount of pain you feel when you come into contact with a new idea. [John Newton]

Stepping outside at 6 a.m. to walk Cassie, our 14 year old pug on this Autumn morning, I feel an invigorating coolness in the air. Even Cassie is livelier with this serious and refreshing dip in temperatures. She is energized.

These cool mornings are signaling a change from the sweltering and torrid weather of summer in Clarksville, one of the most simmering in this area’s recorded history, to a more refreshing and comfortable clime. «Read the rest of this article»

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Clarksville AARP: In support of city seniors

By Rev. Charles Moreland | November 9, 2007 |

Clarksville’s chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a dynamic and progressive organization that mets on the second Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. at the Hilldale United Methodist Church.

Their monthly meetings include informational programs, most recently on St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, whose remarkable service and ministry is available to families and children through our region. One of the goals of the Clarksville AARP is to provide stimulating and thoughtful programs to its local emmbers.

Presently the Chapter, along with all national chapters, are working to sensitize our Congressional leaders to issues of retiremen, medical and financial issues for seniors.

As members, we accept the challenge of informing elected leaders — Senators Corker and Alexander and Representative Blackburn — on the following issues:

• Ensure all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care, including important preventative and patient care and affordable prescription drugs.
• Create additional choices for necessary longterm care services
• Strengthen and protect Social Security for this and all future generations
• Provide greater access to retirement plans, financial incentives to save and tools to better manage finances and help prepare for retirement
• Develop policies to help ensure that all workers — regardless of age — can continue to work and contribute to society.

Seniors are invited to join us at our monthly meetings to volunteer to help American become aware of these goals. AARP is non-partisan and does not have a political action committee (PAC), nor does it endorse political candidates or contribute to political campaigns.

Anyone age 50 and older is welcome to join and participate in the AARP programs and activities. Each meeting include refreshments and an opportunity for fellowship.

Sections: Arts and Leisure, Issues | No Comments