Many Mississippians lack access, right now, to affordable, high-speed Internet—or are struggling to afford it. But, the “Emergency Broadband Benefit”—a temporary, federal program—could help. That’s according to Kimberly L- Campbell—“A-A-R-P Mississippi’s” state-director…

“If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that access to high-speed Internet is a necessity—not a luxury. Without it, Mississippians are being left behind—when it comes to attending school, finding a job, seeing a doctor, or avoiding isolation. The ‘Emergency Broadband Benefit’ is a short-term program that’s available on a first-come, first-served basis. And, households may be eligible for a monthly discount, of up to 50 dollars, on their high-speed service—plus a one-time discount, of up to 100 dollars, if they buy a computer or tablet through a participating provider. We fought hard for this program—so that Mississippians can access the affordable, high-speed Internet that they need, during the pandemic.”

To learn more about the “Emergency Broadband Benefit”, visit “a-a-r-p”-dot-org-slash-“e-b-b”.

Esta semana [del 13 al 19 de junio] es la cuarta “Semana Anual de la Protección” de Maryland. Y nuevamente, los grupos de protección al consumidor y los funcionarios estatales están encabezando una campaña de concientización pública—para ayudar a todos los residentes a mejor proteger a los adultos de la tercera edad de la explotación financiera. Adrian Ramos está con “A-A-R-P Maryland”—uno de los miembros de la campaña…

“Según la ‘Comisión Federal de Comercio’, los residentes de Maryland reportaron más de 46 mil casos de fraude, en el año 2019—con un total de pérdidas de más de 27 millones de dólares. Cada día, estos criminales se vuelven más sofisticados. Y, a menudo, suelen ser familiares, amistades, o cuidadores. La colaboración entre las agencias gubernamentales, las agencias de seguridad, los trabajadores sociales, los bancos, y grupos comunitarios es esencial para evitar la explotación financiera—en todo Maryland.”

Para obtener más información—y para recibir alertas, por correo electrónico, sobre las más recientes estafas—visite “a-a-r-p”-punto-o-r-g-diagonal-“fraude”. Y, para reportar cualquier estafa que encuentre, llame a la “Red Contra el Fraude” de “A-A-R-P”, al 1-877-908-3360; traductores están disponibles para ayudarle.

This week [June 13th to 19th] is Maryland’s fourth-annual “Protect Week”. And again, consumer-protection groups and state-officials are leading a public-awareness campaign—to help all residents better-protect older adults from financial exploitation. Hank Greenberg is the state-director of “A-A-R-P Maryland”—one of the campaign’s members…

“The ‘Federal Trade Commission’ says that over 46-thousand cases of fraud were reported by Marylanders, in 2019—with losses totaling more than 27-million dollars. These criminals become more sophisticated, every day. And, they often just happen to be family, friends, or caregivers. Collaboration amongst government-agencies, law-enforcement, social-workers, banks, and community-agencies is essential to prevent financial exploitation—throughout Maryland.”

Coinciding with “World Elder-Abuse Awareness Day”—on June 15th—“Protect Week” features several free webinars and teleconferences—to help Marylanders learn how to both spot and stop abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. For a complete list of resources and events, visit “protect-week”-dot-org.

-- :30 --

¿Estás confinado a casa? Ahora, la vacuna contra el coronavirus puede llegar a ti. Simplemente visita “a-a-r-p”-punto-o-r-g-diagonal-“vacuna-f-l”, para solicitarla en la comodidad de tu hogar. También, puedes comunicarte al centro de llamadas del estado, al 1-800-963-5337. O, visítanos en “a-a-r-p”-punto-o-r-g-diagonal-“vacuna-f-l”, para aprender cómo solicitar la vacuna en tu hogar. Un mensaje de “A-A-R-P Florida”.

-- :60 --

¿Estás confinado a casa? “A-A-R-P” anima a todos los floridanos a explorar las opciones disponibles en tu comunidad, para acceder la vacuna contra el coronavirus en tu hogar. Puedes comenzar visitando a “a-a-r-p”-punto-o-r-g-diagonal-“vacuna-f-l”; tenemos información disponible para ayudarte a encontrar la mejor opción de vacunación para tu familia. “A-A-R-P” también tiene las últimas actualizaciones sobre quién es elegible para la vacuna; cuándo, dónde, y cómo conseguirla; y lo que podrías querer discutir con tu médico. Para obtener más información, visita a “a-a-r-p”-punto-o-r-g-diagonal-“vacuna-f-l”. También, puedes comunicarte con el centro de llamadas del estado, al 1-800-963-5337, para obtener ayuda. O, visítanos en “a-a-r-p”-punto-o-r-g-diagonal-“vacuna-f-l”, para aprender cómo solicitar la vacuna en tu hogar. Un mensaje de “A-A-R-P Florida”.

-- :30 --

Are you homebound? Florida’s bringing “COVID-19”-vaccines to you. Just visit “a-a-r-p”-dot-org-slash-“f-l-vaccine”, to learn how to request vaccinations in the comfort of your home. “A-A-R-P” also has the latest updates about “COVID-19”-vaccines in Florida. Or, you can contact the state’s “Elder Helpline”, at 1-800-96-“ELDER”; that’s 1-800-963-5337. A message from “A-A-R-P Florida”.

-- :60 --

Are you and your family-members homebound? “A-A-R-P” is encouraging Floridians to explore all of their options, for accessing “COVID-19”-vaccinations at home. You can get started by visiting “a-a-r-p”-dot-org-slash-“f-l-vaccine”, which has all of the information that you need, to help you find the best vaccination-options for you and your family; again, that’s “a-a-r-p”-dot-org-slash-“f-l-vaccine”. “A-A-R-P” also has the latest updates about who’s eligible for “COVID-19”-vaccines in Florida—along with when, where, and how to get them—plus what you might want to discuss with your doctor. You can also contact the state’s “Elder Helpline” for assistance, at 1-800-96-“ELDER”; that’s 1-800-963-5337. Again, 1-800-96-“ELDER”—or 1-800-963-5337. A message from “A-A-R-P Florida”.

(The following statement is from the American Petroleum Institute’s president and CEO, Mike Sommers.)

“This ‘Memorial Day’-weekend, ‘Triple-A’ predicts that there’ll be 60-percent more travelers on the roads, and in the skies, than last year. While that remains short of pre-pandemic levels, it still means that over 37-million Americans are expected to travel. As our economy recovers from the pandemic, we are reminded that demand for personal transportation and energy continue to go hand-in-hand. In fact, in April, U-S petroleum-demand rose to 19-point-six-million barrels, a day; that’s nearly at April 2019 levels.

“As America’s vaccine-program advances—and people feel more comfortable traveling—demand for fuel increases. ‘Triple-A’ also predicts that increased driving-season demand could lead to pressure on gasoline-prices, and higher prices at the pump, across the nation. And, while today’s advanced fuels and innovative technologies are helping American consumers benefit from more-fuel-efficient vehicles that drive farther and run cleaner, consumers take notice when prices rise at the pump.

“Many of the Biden-administration’s energy-policies hurt our ability to meet growing demand with fuels and energy produced in the U-S—by American workers. Increasing taxes on American energy-production, pausing new development on federal lands and waters, and stopping important infrastructure like pipelines hurts America in the long run. American energy-policies should focus on increasing domestic production—to help U-S workers, consumers, and the economy. Natural-gas- and oil-companies anchor entire communities—supporting thousands of local businesses—while the federal government itself takes in almost 150-million dollars, from natural gas and oil, every single day.

“Today, more U-S production could put downward pressure on gasoline-prices—and reduce reliance on imported energy from foreign nations that are hostile to American interests. That, in turn, helps support American jobs, strengthens national security, and generates more government-revenue for local communities, across the country.”

The “National Memorial-Day Concert”, on P-B-S, returns for a special presentation—hosted by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise—that features all-star performances and tributes—from Washington, D-C, and around the country. This year’s broadcast honors all of America’s heroes—including both a tribute to nurses from the Vietnam War, and a 20th-anniversary remembrance of “9/11”. Co-host Gary Sinise says…

“I’M HONORED TO BE RETURNING FOR MY 15TH YEAR AS CO-HOST OF THE ‘NATIONAL MEMORIAL-DAY CONCERT’. HOSTING THIS CONCERT, YEAR AFTER YEAR, MEANS THE WORLD TO ME—BECAUSE WE CAN NEVER DO ENOUGH TO REMEMBER THE SACRIFICES OF THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE OUR COUNTRY.”

This year’s lineup also features: General Colin Powell; Gladys Knight; Vince Gill; Sara Bareilles; Alan Jackson; Denyce Graves; the “Four Tops”; Steve Buscemi; Joe Morton; Brian d’Arcy James; Kathy Baker; Mary McCormack; Bailee Madison; and Mickey Guyton—with the “National Symphony Orchestra”. The “National Memorial-Day Concert” airs on P-B-S, Sunday, May 30th, at eight p-m, Eastern; check local listings, for the time in your area. To learn more, visit “p-b-s”-dot-org-slash-“memorial-day-concert”.

The “National Memorial-Day Concert”, on P-B-S, returns for a special presentation—hosted by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise—that features all-star performances and tributes—from Washington, D-C, and around the country. This year’s broadcast honors all of America’s heroes—including both a tribute to nurses from the Vietnam War, and a 20th-anniversary remembrance of “9/11”. Co-host Joe Mantegna says…

“I’M HONORED TO BE RETURNING FOR MY 17TH YEAR AS CO-HOST OF THE ‘NATIONAL MEMORIAL-DAY CONCERT’. HOSTING THIS CONCERT, YEAR AFTER YEAR, MEANS THE WORLD TO ME—BECAUSE I FEEL [THAT] IT’S THE MOST-IMPORTANT HOLIDAY [THAT] THIS COUNTRY CELEBRATES.”

This year’s lineup also features: General Colin Powell; Gladys Knight; Vince Gill; Sara Bareilles; Alan Jackson; Denyce Graves; the “Four Tops”; Steve Buscemi; Joe Morton; Brian d’Arcy James; Kathy Baker; Mary McCormack; Bailee Madison; and Mickey Guyton—with the “National Symphony Orchestra”. The “National Memorial-Day Concert” airs on P-B-S, Sunday, May 30th, at eight p-m, Eastern; check local listings, for the time in your area. To learn more, visit “p-b-s”-dot-org-slash-“memorial-day-concert”.

Alabama’s statewide “2-1-1” phone-network now allows residents to register for “COVID-19”-vaccines, in their local communities. Jamie Harding is with “A-A-R-P Alabama”—which provided new funding to the group that runs the state’s “2-1-1”-service, the “United Ways of Alabama”…

“From the very start of the vaccine-rollout, it’s been difficult for many older Alabamians to access an appointment-system that has almost exclusively relied on the Internet. The ‘2-1-1’-network already serves all Alabama-residents—by connecting them to key resources, in their communities. And now, this phone-service has been expanded, in a truly important way—as we bridge the ‘digital divide’, and help connect older Alabamians to vaccine-appointments.”

To access the appointment-system, from anywhere in Alabama, just dial “2-1-1”. Calls are being answered by operators, each weekday—from eight a-m to five p-m.

(The following statement is from the Energy Marketers of America’s president, Rob Underwood.)

“The ‘Colonial Pipeline’ is back up and running—and our industry is working, around the clock, to mitigate any lingering supply-disruptions. While we have a very efficient supply-system, unfortunately the system can be overwhelmed in the time of panic-buying. This does not help the situation.

“For the most part, the major oil-companies do not own or operate gas-stations: About 98-percent are independently owned and operated—which are mostly small, mom-and-pop businesses. My organization—the ‘Energy Marketers of America’—represents these businesses. Many of my members in the Southeast have told me [that] they’ve sold several days' worth of inventory, within a few hours.

“Again, panic-buying doesn’t help the situation: Not only does this take away fuel from those who truly need it—but it also puts a tremendous amount of pressure on small businesses who are working, around the clock, to resupply motorists.

“Finally, I want to thank the Biden-administration, for issuing important fuel-waivers that are necessary to keep the gasoline-market supplied. We will continue to work with this administration, the states, and industries throughout the supply-chain—to ensure [that] normal operations are quickly established.”