PIERRE, S.D. -- New categories to reflect the pandemic and social justice challenges highlight grants to propel community-level projects across South Dakota this year.

Through April 14, AARP will accept applications for its Community Challenge grant program.

The annual funding is designed to help make towns and cities more livable through "quick-action" projects.

Lindsey Holmquest, associate state director for Community Outreach at AARP South Dakota, said in light of everything that's happened over the past twelve months, they will consider projects that align with current challenges.

"Coronavirus relief; so if there are any projects related kind of getting back on your feet after COVID," Holmquest explained. "And also, diversity and inclusion while improving the social environment in the community."

Most grants are relatively modest, around $10,000 dollars on average, and will be awarded to projects that can be completed by Nov. 10.

But Holmquest noted there are no limits on grant size, and they can be as small as a few hundred dollars. Local governments, non-profits and community groups are encouraged to apply.

Holmquest added the grants can be seen as solutions at times when it might be hard to otherwise secure funding for a community-improvement effort and the types of projects that benefit all residents.

"And that can range for everything from public and outdoor spaces to community connectivity," Holmquest suggested. "Feeling included in what's going on, communication."

Last year, nearly $70,000 dollars in grants were awarded for projects around the state.

Nationally, AARP distributed more than $2 million dollars in Community Challenge grants.

It may seem early, but as the year comes to end, the new tax year approaches. AARP provides free tax aide and they're looking for recruits.

In Idaho this year, the program helped prepare more than 14,000 tax returns.

Tax-aide state coordinator for AARP Idaho, Karen Cummings, said after a dip from COVID, the number of returns prepared in the last few years is going back up.

She said AARP Idaho helps prepare volunteers for the job during tax season.

"They have to pass an IRS test," said Cummings. "So, we try to get them all the knowledge. Depending on the site even within the state, some will try to start training in the fall a little bit, especially if the new volunteers or returning volunteers are available."

Training also happens in January. Cummings said volunteers who are preparing taxes needed to be trained and certified by February 1st to assist with the program.

The program is open to everyone, although it's targeted toward older people and people with low incomes. Cummings said that's because getting a tax return ready is costly.

"99.99% of the people are so grateful," said Cummings. "They know they would have to spend a lot of money, even for a very simple return."

The AARP tax aide program has helped people since 1968. There are other positions available beyond counselor, including facilitator and translator.

People who are interested in volunteering can register on the AARP website.

Hudson, New York will hold its fourth annual Latinx Festival on Sunday.

The festival celebrates a wide range of cultures through food, dancing and other cultural activities. It began as the dream of a co-founder of the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement, who wanted to celebrate cultures and help them be part of the community. It has only grown since the first festival in 2021.

David Quituisaca, donor organizer for the movement, said it has also disproved recent rhetoric about immigrants living in rural areas.

"We're trying to break this stigma of like, 'immigrants are only here to work,' because they're here to live," Quituisaca pointed out. "We're here to be part of society, be part of our community and give back, not just in, like, work hours."

He noted there were some initial concerns about holding the celebration but it has become a favorite community event. His own favorite part of the festival is the food, including homemade pupusas. The festival starts with a parade down Warren Street at 1 p.m., with floats from various community groups, ending at 2 p.m. by the Hudson Waterfront.

Setting up the festival has been challenging. In 2021, there were pandemic restrictions. Today, with COVID cases fluctuating, Quituisaca emphasized protections are in place to keep people safe. He added it is challenging having to turn away vendors once the festival is at capacity.

"When we get to that part of planning, it's always so disappointing because we get members who call the office and say, 'I really, really want to be a vendor this year.' And we're like, 'We're so sorry you missed the deadline, we are full,'" Quituisaca recounted. "It's always a disappointing conversation."

Along with expanding the Latinx Festival, the group also hosted a Caribbean Festival in Albany this summer. The plan is to hold both festivals on an annual basis. Quituisaca explained the hope is to make the Latinx Festival a longer event and finding a larger space to hold it.

"It'd be nice to have more time to feature more artists, more performances," Quituisaca observed. "We are in talks of finding a bigger venue for the festival, and hopefully in 2025 we could be in a bigger venue, wherever that may be. We'd like to keep it (as) close to Columbia County as possible."


get more stories like this via email

On the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, veterans throughout Missouri and beyond are dedicating themselves to community service as a tribute to the fallen, continuing their commitment to service even in civilian life.

A St. Louis-based nonprofit called "The Mission Continues," which engages veterans in supporting under-resourced communities, spearheads the homage with "United in Service, Honoring 9/11," one of their four national service days.

Keith Thomas, senior director of marketing and communications for the program, explained the deep connection between 9/11 and veterans nationwide.

"That is probably the single most, highest recruited day for people to join the military," Thomas pointed out. "That was all voluntary. So, there was no draft. People signed up by the hundreds and thousands to join the military to do their part."

Close to 3,000 people died in the 9/11 attacks, including those on the four hijacked airplanes, in the World Trade Center, and at the Pentagon. Of those, 411 were first responders.

The "Remember the Sky" campaign by the 9/11 Memorial Museum invites people globally to post sky photos today using hashtags #neverforget911 and #rememberthesky, fostering a worldwide tribute. Thomas noted the day inspires a sense of volunteering in unity.

"I don't think there's a day that signifies selfless service more than the anniversary of 9/11," Thomas asserted. "The way people feel so inspired to want to do more and to be together."

Thomas highlights The Mission Continues operates in 45 "platoon cities" across the nation, where veterans come together to volunteer and assist those in need.


get more stories like this via email