AARP Michigan is now in its third year of sponsoring Detroit Riverwalkers, which is coordinated by the nonprofit Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.

“It’s wonderful walking near the water, with the sun and the breeze and everything,” says Stephanie Randolph, 65, a volunteer who frequently staffs an AARP Michigan information table on Riverwalkers days.

This summer’s program runs June 11 to Aug. 22, 8–10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Cullen Plaza, 1340 Atwater St., in downtown. The outdoor meetups often include activities such as fitness classes, blood pressure screenings and free snacks.

“It’s one of the few places where you can see people from ... all generations, all different backgrounds coming together,” says Renee Rodriguez, the conservancy’s program manager.

The 3.5-mile area along the Detroit River’s east riverfront is open to residents every day of the year, but Riverwalkers is one of the conservancy’s signature health and wellness programs.

Participants walk at their own pace and distance and can also join groups. Research shows that walking even just under 4,000 steps a day has health benefits.

“Some people walk three miles, and some only walk through the program space,” says Rodriguez, noting that the events usually attract between 400 and 500 people.

Others just like to sit and enjoy the fresh air, says Randolph, a retired automotive engineer who drives about 20 minutes from her home in Livonia to join in.

Learn more about the conservancy at detroitriverfront.org. —David Lewellen

Spot scams AARP will host a Scam Jam in Louisville on Wednesday, June 5, to help educate Kentuckians about the latest fraud schemes.

The event will include a free lunch and feature speakers from state and federal law enforcement agencies. AARP Kentucky will also hold free shredding events where people can safely dispose of sensitive documents; one such event will be on Saturday, Aug. 10, in Louisville.

To register for the Louisville Scam Jam, go to events.aarp.org/KYSummerScamJam24, or call 877-926-8300.

Help advocate AARP Wisconsin is seeking legislative volunteers to help educate lawmakers, candidates, opinion leaders and the public about its priorities, including support for family caregivers.

Volunteers are needed throughout the state, but particularly in southeastern and southwestern Wisconsin. Activities include sending emails to legislators, writing letters to the editor, making phone calls and attending hearings.

Interested? Email Martin Hernandez, AARP Wisconsin advocacy director, at mshernandez@aarp.org. 

Cast your ballot Iowa’s statewide primary election is Tuesday, June 4. Races include all four U.S. House seats, all 100 state House seats and 25 of 50 state Senate seats.

To participate, voters must be registered as Republican, Democrat or Libertarian, and vote that party’s ballot. However, they may change party affiliation at the polls. Find more election information—including dates for early and absentee voting and voter registration, and ID requirements—at sos.iowa.gov/elections and at aarp.org/iavotes. —DL