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Articles by Jeff Johnson
‘Come kneel with us’
Perhaps you haven’t been inside a church in years. Maybe you grew up going every Sunday, but somewhere along the way, you stopped. Something happened. Someone disappointed you. A pastor or someone said something that hurt. You saw Christians behaving in ways that seemed far less than Christian. Or maybe you drifted away as life got busy. Sunday mornings became your time to rest. And eventually, church became something other people did.
Not Everyone Who Says “Lord, Lord”
Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, “Lord, Lord,” did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; Leave Me, You who practice lawlessness” (Matt.
WA pension plans should divest from fossil fuel companies
On June 21, the Washington State Democratic Party passed a resolution calling for the Washington State Investment Board to divest, within the next five years, “all direct and indirect holdings from fossil fuel companies.” The resolution points out that “the scientific consensus is clear that the climate crisis poses an imminent and existential threat to human health, global ecosystems, and economic stability.” So far, the financial industry continues to invest in climate chaos.
Pembrolizumab plus High-Dose IL-2 in Advanced Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Six-Year Survival Outcomes and Molecular Signatures from a Phase 2 Trial - Beyond the Abstract
A common trope among genitourinary medical oncologists is that patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), particularly those receiving VEGF tyrosine kinase inhibitors, arrive to clinic with a litany of treatment-related complaints. From rash to diarrhea, hypertension to proteinuria, these patients often endure the chronic sequelae of continuous therapy. Because of this, patients frequently ask when they might be able to take a treatment holiday.
Noe Sandoval Named Sayre’s 2025 Employee of the Year
The City of Sayre has named Noe Sandoval as its 2025 Employee of the Year, recognizing his dedication, dependability, and unwavering commitment to keeping the city running safely and efficiently. Sandoval has worked for the City of Sayre for the past two and a half years and has built a reputation as an employee who can always be counted on. He is known for showing up on time, maintaining a positive attitude, and tackling whatever task is placed in front of him—often several at once.
Florida’s Year in Review: Progress, Challenges, and What’s Next
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on a year of advocacy that shaped lives, strengthened communities, and advanced opportunities for Floridians 50+. Looking ahead to 2026, we’re ready to build on this momentum — driving even greater change and ensuring every voice is heard. Here are some of the key issues we tackled this year and what they mean for the future: Keeping Energy Costs in Check One of AARP Florida’s main focuses this year was the Florida Power & Light (FPL) rate case.
Signs
Anyone driving through Sayre along Route 66 may notice something different these days. In three separate spots across town, new signs are appearing, long-awaited lights are glowing, and pieces of local history are being brought back to life. Together, they tell a story of momentum, community pride, and a town determined to brighten its future—one sign at a time.
Sayre Strong Coalition Launches With a Mission to Rebuild Community
Sayre has a long history of stepping up when times get hard, and a new local movement is proving that spirit is still alive. A volunteer-driven group called the Sayre Strong Coalition has officially launched, with early organizational support from the Beckham County Health Department, and a mission focused on improving quality of life across the community. The coalition held its first meeting on Saturday, November 9, at the Sayre Health Department.
November Spotlight: Caregiving, Community & Change
November is National Family Caregivers Month—a time to honor the millions of Floridians who provide essential care to loved ones, often without recognition or support. At AARP Florida, we’re proud to stand with family caregivers and advocate for resources, policies, and protections to provide them the peace of mind that they need. AARP’s newly released Caregiving in the U.S. 2025 report reveals that 63 million Americans now serve as caregivers—a 45% increase over the past decade.
Dual-Camera Video Pipeline on AUBoard with RPi Camera FMC
Things used in this project × 1 × 1 × 2 Intro to the AUBoard The AUBoard from Tria is a powerful development platform built around the Artix UltraScale+™ FPGA. It provides all the essential high-speed connectivity you’d expect from a modern FPGA board, including SFP+ (up to 10 Gbps) and Gigabit Ethernet—both must-haves for networked designs. The board is also designed as a PCIe end-point, allowing it to be plugged directly into a PC or server for use as a hardware accelerator or offload engine.
Phase 2 study of dostarlimab plus niraparib in stage III-IV recurrent or refractory Penile squamous cell carcinoma
ABSTRACT Management of penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) remains challenging, with limited effective treatment options. Preclinical studies have shown that combining a PD-1 inhibitor with a PARP inhibitor may produce synergistic antitumor activity. This phase II trial will evaluate the combination of niraparib (PARP inhibitor) with dostarlimab (PD-1 inhibitor) in patients with recurrent or refractory stage III or IV PSCC.
Aging Gracefully, Together: Sayre Leads the Way in Beckham County
There’s something special about the Sayre Senior Citizens Center — a place where stories are swapped over coffee, where birthdays are remembered without needing Facebook reminders, and where laughter still echoes down the hall even on the quiet days. For decades, it’s been the heartbeat of Beckham County’s older generation — and now, it’s getting a little extra love.
SNAP Benefits Could Be Suspended Nov. 1 - Food Banks Prepare to Help
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) has announced that if the federal government shutdown continues into November, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits will be suspended beginning November 1. According to OKDHS officials, funding for the program depends entirely on federal appropriations. With no budget resolution in place, there is currently no guarantee that benefits will be issued for November.
Lights, Camera, Sayre: Indie film crew falls for Western Motel-and its classic sign
Sayre’s Western Motel—and its wonderfully old-school roadside sign—has a starring role this week. A small Oklahoma City–based film team led by co-directors Wes Davis and William Wymore has been shooting in town the past several days, drawn here by Sayre’s rich 70s/80s vibe and Route 66 authenticity.
Restoring the Glow:
The Patels’ American Dream and the Western Motel’s Route 66 Revival The cameras may have stopped rolling after *Lights, Camera, Sayre,* but the next act on Sayre’s stretch of Route 66 is already flickering to life—beneath a weather-worn neon sign where Chetan and Chhaya Patel are working to bring the Western Motel, and a bit of the town’s soul, back to life. For the Patels, this project is more than a business renovation.
Planting Dreams:
How One Woman’s Vision Grew Into Elk City’s Farmers Market Everybody has a dream. Sometimes we don’t even know why we have it — only that it won’t leave us alone. For Iesha Jones, that dream was simple: to build something that helped others the way someone once helped her. “I was given a really good opportunity early on,” Jones said.
This October, AARP Florida’s Advocacy Focus Sharpens
As we head into fall, AARP Florida remains deeply engaged in protecting the interests of older Floridians, especially when it comes to the rising cost of utilities. Over the past year, our team has been at the forefront of the Florida Power & Light (FPL) rate case, advocating for transparency, fairness, and affordability in the face of unprecedented proposed rate hikes.
This fall, AARP is showing up for you.
As we enter a new season, AARP continues to show up across Florida as both a wise friend and a fierce defender. Our mission remains rooted in protecting the interests of older adults and ensuring that every Floridian can age with dignity, security, and purpose. In August, we proudly celebrated 90 years of Social Security—a cornerstone of economic stability for millions of Americans.
A Summer of Impact, Celebration, and Advocacy with AARP Florida
AARP Florida is kicking off a busy summer season. From celebrating 90 successful years of the Social Security program to continuing state advocacy work following legislative session, we are showing up in your corner as a wise friend and fierce defender. This summer, we’re not just staying busy—we’re staying purposeful. Every event, every conversation, and every initiative is rooted in our commitment to empower Floridians 50+ to live their best lives.
Don't Be Alarmed, Stay Calm and Prepared: Hurricane Season's Here
As the 2025 hurricane season ramps up in Florida, older adults and family caregivers face a critical responsibility: ensuring safety for themselves and their loved ones. AARP Florida’s Disaster Help Page is a trusted resource to help you prepare. Over the last two years, Florida has experienced disastrous storms that have devastated communities, and the 2025 hurricane season is expected to be above average in terms of activity.
Coping With the Anxieties, Fears and Stresses of a Hurricane
UPDATED: May 2020 Those of us who live in hurricane-prone areas often comfort ourselves with the fact that, while hurricanes can be devastating disasters, they at least have the advantage of being foreseeable. Our friends in other parts of the world grapple with wildfires, earthquakes and tornadoes that can pop up with little to no notice. But storms that can be seen on satellite images and weather radar for days, even weeks, in advance.
Celebrating Advocacy Success While Preparing For Next Year
As the 2025 legislative session wraps up, I am proud to share the progress we achieved for older adults across our state. For the third consecutive year, our dedicated team was joined by dozens of passionate volunteer advocates from across the state, working hard to champion the needs of older Floridians.
Letter: It's time for Congress to stand with rural America
Across rural America, where barns dot the landscape and generations of families work the land, agricultural cooperatives have long served as pillars of strength, community, and shared success. As CEO of Centra Sota Cooperative—a central Minnesota co-op with a proud 100-year history—I’ve witnessed how cooperatives keep rural towns thriving and support the families who feed and fuel our nation. From the outside, cooperatives may look like any other business. But they are fundamentally different.
Spot Scams & Spread Good This April
As spring unfolds, AARP Florida remains actively engaged in a fast-moving legislative session— advocating for policies that protect and uplift older adults across the state. April is National Volunteer Month, and we are seeing our advocacy volunteers in action with their work at Florida’s Capitol. If you’re interested in volunteering, now is the perfect time to give back to your community.
Enact the Patriot Relief Act for Federal Tax Exemptions for U.S. Combat Veterans
We are advocating for enactment of The Patriot Relief Act to exempt any U.S. combat veteran who has served under threat of imminent danger from federal income taxes for life. The great majority of Americans have not risked their lives as those who fought - and fight – for our freedoms have done, are doing, and will do. Any period served in combat, conducted in a theater of armed conflict, should afford a lifetime of tax relief.
Jeff's Message: Volunteers Are at the Core of Advocacy Success
As we welcome March, we also welcome the start of the 2025 Florida Legislative Session—a time when decisions are made that could significantly impact the lives of older Floridians and their families. Throughout the year, AARP Florida works to improve the lives of Floridians 50+ and their families, but the legislative session is a critical time to make statewide changes.
Stay Wary of Holiday Scams this Season
Digital Temptation, a message bubble Caught on a Cyber Hook, a speech cloud ensnared by a fishhook over a smartphone, symbolizing online scam (Nadia Snopek) As we kick off the holiday season, we are here for you with resources to help you stay vigilant of fraud! While we’re busy hunting for gifts and planning celebrations, scammers are gearing up to steal more than holiday cheer. AARP Florida is here to help you unwrap a safer, scam-free season so you can focus on what truly matters.
We are here for you.
Last week, Hurricane Helene impacted communities across the gulf coast of Florida. AARP Florida is here to support you in the aftermath of the storm and help you prepare for the future. We have gathered a range of resources, including tips, checklists and video libraries, to assist you and your loved ones during this challenging time. On our disaster help resource page, you’ll find: Recovery tips to protect yourself from home repair fraud. Generator and chainsaw storage tips for use after a storm.
It’s time to cast your ballot! Voters 50+ decide elections!
With the 2024 general election quickly approaching, it is vital to remember voters 50+ play a significant role in determining election outcomes. Now is the time to make your voice heard on critical issues such as supporting family caregivers and protecting Social Security for future generations. AARP encourages Floridians of all ages to make your voice heard during this critical time. The last day to register to vote is Monday, October 7.
Celebrating 89 Years of Social Security
In August, we marked the 89th anniversary of Social Security, and now is a good time to reflect on its profound impact on American society since its creation in 1935. Signed into law during the Great Depression, Social Security emerged as a foundation of hope and stability for millions of Americans facing economic uncertainty. Today, more than one in five Florida residents—nearly 5 million people—receive Social Security benefits.
Make Your Voice Heard! Stay Informed During Election Season.
We know, not just here in Florida but across the country, that voters age 50-plus decide elections. As we enter the 2024 election season, AARP Florida has tools and resources to keep you informed on the topics that matter most to the 50+, including protecting Social Security and supporting family caregivers. Just as importantly, we have a virtual one-stop shop for all your questions about how to cast your ballot, as recent changes to Florida law may affect your preferred voting method.
AARP Florida Makes Livable Communities Local
The AARP Livable Communities initiative is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural communities for people of all ages, with a particular focus on those aged 50+. As part of this initiative, AARP offers Community Challenge Grants, which provide funding for short-term projects with lasting community impact across the nation.
Navigating You Financial Future with AARP
How do you know if you’re saving enough money for your retirement? Earlier this year, a national AARP study found that more than 3 in 5 people over 50 said that they were not currently saving enough for retirement, but when asked how much they needed in order to retire, almost 1 in 3 said they didn’t know. So how can you find out whether you’re on track for retirement savings? In today's complex financial landscape, planning for the future is more critical than ever before.
Multi-camera YOLOv5 on Zynq UltraScale+ with Hailo-8 AI Acceleration
See it live: The demo described in this post will be displayed live at the EBV Elektronik booth at Embedded World 2024 on April 9-11. I’ll be attending too, so get in touch if you’re keen to meet up. Over the last few months I’ve been lucky to work with two very talented people on an interesting project for multi-camera machine vision applications: Gianluca Filippini and Mario Bergeron. Back in 2022, I was contacted by Gianluca, an engineer from EBV Elektronik.
Make exponential gains now: Automation, I/O, mechatronics | Control Engineering
A reimagined production line delivers complete flexibility to accommodate simultaneous programming and testing of a broad range of terminal types. Learning Objectives Understand the capabilities of new mechatronics technologies. Explore the machine design possibilities made available by 6D of freedom in motion control. Prepare for adaptive manufacturing concepts that will enable mass customization, high-mix low-volume production and other capabilities.
Fraud Prevention for Floridians: AARP Florida is Here For You
In today's tech-savvy world, while technology has certainly made life easier, it's also opened the door to sophisticated scams targeting vulnerable groups, especially older adults. Every year, Older Americans lose billions of dollars to various forms of fraud, ranging from financial scams to identity theft. With increased use of technology and access to AI, it is crucial to focus on fraud prevention measures tailored specifically for this demographic.
Celebrating Women's History Month: Honoring AARP’s Founder
As we recognize Women’s History Month, we have the opportunity to reflect on the contributions of women throughout history and within our own communities. We celebrate the achievements of those who have shattered barriers, defied stereotypes, and paved the way for progress in various fields, including the founder of AARP, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. When Dr. Andrus founded the American Association of Retired Persons, now known as AARP, she shifted the dialogue on aging in America.
Livable Spaces Help Us Age Independently
This February, we recognize National Senior Independence Month. At AARP, we strive to create spaces where people of all ages can live independent, fulfilled lives. We are here to act as a wise friend and fierce defender for the 50+, and we aim to help you and your families feel confident, in control and secure as you age. AARP is committed to working with local leaders to improve Floridians’ quality of life by creating Livable Communities.
Caregivers, We Are Here For You
Every day, 2.7 million Floridians help parents, spouses and other loved ones with medical care, meals, bathing, chores and much more. These individuals are family caregivers, and they support their loved ones for love, not pay. In fact, the 2023 Valuing the Invaluable report shows that Florida’s family caregivers provide $40 billion in unpaid care.
AARP Florida Is Here for Our Veterans
Florida boasts 21 different military bases, from the Panhandle to the Keys, reflecting all branches of service. As the son of a Navy veteran whose last station was in Jacksonville, I can attest to the influence that active-duty military and veterans have on Florida’s culture in virtually every corner of the state. Amongst the veterans who create positive change in their community is AARP Florida State President, Ken Thomas.
AARP Scorecard Shows Florida’s Need for Improvement in Long-Term Care Services and Supports for Older Americans
Recently, AARP released the 2023 Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Scorecard. This study finds that more than three years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, care provided in the United States for older adults and people with disabilities is painfully inadequate.
Using XPlanar for Optical Inspection
Quality assurance bottlenecks are especially apparent when working with different components and in high-mix low-volume production. This reality led Stoba Sondermaschinen (a custom machine builder focused on automated production) to solve this challenge with its InspectorOne optical inspection system. InspectorOne is based on deep learning and features the XPlanar system from Beckhoff to enable adaptive material handling flows.
AARP FL is Fighting to Protect Social Security
August 14 marks the 88th birthday of the Social Security Act. The initial goal of the Social Security Act hoped to provide a "comprehensive package of protection" against the "hazards and vicissitudes of life." Now, that money is often used to help cover living expenses and pay bills. More than one in five Florida residents, nearly 5 million people, receive Social Security benefits. Florida’s 3.6 million retired workers account for 74.9 percent of all Social Security beneficiaries in the state.
Investing in Florida Communities to Make Them Better for All Ages
In 2019, Florida became just the 4th state to join the AARP Age Friendly Network of States and Communities, and AARP Florida continues working at the state and local level to make communities livable for an aging population. The AARP Livable Communities initiative supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages, especially those age 50 and older.
Older Floridians deserve better service from the Social Security Administration | Commentary
Most of us have experienced long hold times or dropped calls when trying to get through to a customer-service agent. You may have even received incorrect information the first time you called and had to start the process all over again. Unfortunately, this is what many people who are trying to reach the Social Security Administration (SSA) experience. Millions of older Floridians, people with disabilities, and their families rely on Social Security.
AARP Florida Highlights 2023 Legislative Wins
This year, AARP Florida showed up as a wise friend and fierce defender during legislative session, advocating on topics that matter most to the 50+ in the Sunshine State. AARP emerged from the session with big wins across the board, from enhanced long-term care systems to broadened housing options. These wins can be attributed to a new approach taken by the advocacy team.
Floridians: Now is the time to Plan and Prepare for Hurricane Season
Ever since last year, when Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida, I’ve been thinking about how AARP can help Floridians 50+ better prepare for the official hurricane season which begins on June 1. We have developed a broad range of resources to help you get ready, and we keep them updated at our Disaster Help Website.
Jeff Johnson: New utility legislation will increase financial strain on older Floridians
Together, we must stop utility company greed. AARP Florida often hears from our members and others across the state who are actively struggling with rising costs of living. From the price of groceries to fuel and housing, everything is going up. These increased costs include our utility bills. To make matters worse, elected officials in Tallahassee are moving legislation that will allow utility companies to charge more for the power we already use.
PSARA aims to stop Medicare privatization
By JEFF JOHNSON Special to The Stand (Feb. 23, 2023) — This past year, Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action (PSARA) waged an aggressive campaign to convince the Biden administration to terminate the DCE/ACO REACH Medicare pilot program from beginning on Jan. 1, 2023. This pilot program allows more than 200 private, for-profit companies to manage traditional Medicare claims, opening the door to the complete privatization of Medicare.
02.20.23 -- 8 Key Takeaways For FDA Inspections In Omnibus Reform Act
By Donald D. Ashley and Kalah Auchincloss, Greenleaf Health With President Biden’s signature, the Food and Drug Omnibus Reform Act of 2022 (FDORA), part of the larger Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, became law on December 29, 2022. FDORA expands and modifies the inspection authority of the FDA in several key areas, including alternative tools to inspection, mutual recognition agreements, bioresearch monitoring, and more.
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