In 2009, a jury found his father, Anthony D. Marshall, guilty of fraud, conspiracy and other crimes for stealing millions of dollars from Astor. Philip Marshall’s fight to restore his grandmother’s wishes—as she was exploited by her own son while suffering from Alzheimer’s disease—transformed him into a crusader against elder abuse.

On Thursday, June 20, Marshall will share his personal insights and hard-learned lessons during an elder abuse forum hosted by AARP Maine in Bangor. Marshall will also talk about guardianship issues.

He became active on the issue to “help empower people to act,” he says, and to educate them about state and federal resources they can turn to in such cases. He hopes it will reassure people that “society has their back.”

Americans over age 60 lose an estimated $28.3 billion each year to financial exploitation, according to a new AARP report.

Marshall says there have been significant advances in curbing elder fraud since his grandmother’s case. One in particular is the Senior Safe Act, a 2018 federal law modeled on the Senior$afe program in Maine. The measure calls for training employees at banks and other financial institutions to detect and report suspected exploitation.

The AARP Maine event will be both virtual and in person. Maine Public Radio stations also plan to air a call-in program from the venue, featuring Marshall and other fraud specialists.

For more information or to access a recording of the program afterward, go to states.aarp.org/maine/elder-abuse. —Stacey Shepard

Speaking up Are you passionate about lifelong learning and helping others? AARP New Hampshire is seeking new volunteers for its Speakers Bureau.

The work involves delivering presentations at libraries, nonprofits and other locations on topics ranging from brain health to fraud to downsizing. Training is provided, so no expertise is required. Volunteers work in teams, and can choose the presentation topic and when and where they present. Volunteers are encouraged to present at least eight times a year.

For more information or to get involved, email Pam Dube at pdube@aarp.org.

Getting in the game AARP New York is sponsoring a “suite sweepstakes” this summer for two minor league baseball teams: the Long Island Ducks and the Hudson Valley Renegades.

The winner of the Renegades sweepstakes will snag a luxury suite on Tuesday, Aug. 20, for up to 20 people. For the Long Island Ducks contest, the prize is a luxury suite on Tuesday, Sept. 10, for up to 20 people, along with VIP parking and a food and beverage credit. The winner will also receive a $500 HomeFit credit for home repairs.

For deadlines and more details, visit aarp.org/nysports.

Casting your ballot Vermont will hold its state primary on Tuesday, Aug. 13, to choose nominees for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, governor and other statewide positions. Also on the ballot: candidates for the state legislature and other local offices.

To register to vote or to request an absentee ballot by mail, visit sos.vermont.gov/elections. Any registered voter can vote absentee. Early in-person voting starts Saturday, June 29, at your town or city clerk’s office. Find updates and other election resources at aarp.org/vtvotes. —SS