By Michele Harris
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

When Bill Novelli, CEO of AARP, paid a visit to Erickson’s Riderwood community in Silver Spring, Md., many residents turned out to see what the man who represents 38 million of their peers had to say.

Novelli was there to discuss his book, Fifty Plus: Give Meaning and Purpose to the Best Time of Your Life, and the event was videotaped for a future Retirement Living TV program.

Riderwood resident Yvonne Marandino says she came because she was curious. “I got one of the books, and I’ve been reading it. It’s good; I’m sure I’ll learn something.” Marandino is typical of the kind of person Novelli talks about in his book. A retired social worker, Marandino continues to stay active by volunteering her time—something Novelli encourages everyone to do, believing it is one of the best ways to leave a legacy.

Another Riderwood resident, Albert Glickman, came to hear something  specific. Active in Riderwood’s global warming group, Glickman says, “I figure it’s an opportunity to ask the most potent lobbying organization what they are doing about it.”

When the audience was invited to ask Novelli questions, Glickman’s arm went up. “We here at Riderwood have been active in global warming action,” he said then proceeded to ask Novelli where AARP stands on the issue. Novelli answered with examples of how AARP helps people deal with the immediate effects of global warming and promised they would be doing more in the future.

After the presentation, Novelli signed the books every audience member received as free gifts. It was a great opportunity for residents to chat with Novelli and for him to connect with his constituency. In good spirits and happy to have such a warm reception from Riderwood, Novelli asked people if they were AARP members before signing their books. The unofficial tally—100% said yes!