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).

For example, the State of Tennessee is promoting reduced taxes for seniors with annual incomes below $24,000. property taxes support city and county infrastructures. Without that income, our schools, law enforcement and social services would be on life support.

This issue gives guidance on property taxes in answer to this question:

“I just got my tax bills, and with home prices dropping, I say my house isn’t worth nearly as much as the town assessorseems to think. What can I do?”

The broad answer, if a citizen appeals, is as follows: “Don’t delay. Gather the evidence,. Hire an appraiser. Look for unique factors.” For a fuller explanation, refer to AARP (Mar/April, p 14; “Lower That Too!”)

Nuggets of helpful, realistic and utilitarian information is disseminated in these pages.

The Clarksville Montgomery County AARP invites all residents age 50 and up to their monthly meetings, which are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. at Hilldale United Methodist Church. Each meeting includes a guest speaker. Through their meetings, one hears first hand the progress in improving and protecting lives of seniors and political actions at the local, state and federal level.

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.