Seniors attending the Town of North Hempstead's Funday Monday had a surprise visit on July 31. As seniors gathered at Bar Beach for their usual Monday program of card playing, dancing and entertainment, they saw a huge red, white and blue bus called the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) Voter Express pulled up in the parking lot. The 45-foot long bus, covered in colorful campaign graphics, rolled onto Long Island as part of a 4000 mile cross-country tour to mobilize older voters and their families around key election issues: Medicare, Social Security, Long-term Care and patient protection in managed care. Bar Beach was the only major New York stop for the bus. One day in the previous week, North Hempstead officials received a call saying that the bus was due in New York on July 31, a Monday, and AARP was looking for a gathering of seniors. They were delighted to hear that Funday Monday always attracted a crowd.

The bus tour started in Philadelphia, just before the Republican National Convention, and will end at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles in August.

AARP is a non-partisan organization and does not own a political action committee (PAC), endorse political candidates or contribute money to political parties or political candidates' campaigns. AARP New York State Director Lois Aronstein told the seniors: "AARP is here because we believe that the election process must be driven more by 'We, the People' than by dollars and campaign contributions. AARP is here because we believe things can change when ordinary Americans get involved and use their voting power to make their voices heard. The next president and Congress will have a massive impact on the lives of all Americans for generations to come. The more informed we are on the issues, the better decisions we'll make in November." Seniors in attendance were given educational material about Social Security and Medicare.

Seniors were asked to sign pledge cards in support of a prescription drug benefit as part of Medicare. AARP is working to collect up to a million signatures by the November election. One senior, Gene Barrett from College Point, said: "Studies show that although seniors have the greatest need for prescription drugs, we are the most likely of all age groups not to have coverage for drugs. Many seniors have to decide whether to fill a prescription or buy food for the table.

Pat Uralli from Manhasset gave a testimonial to AARP in which she said in part: "I'm a senior who recognizes how lucky I am. I have medical conditions that require prescription drugs that would cost $3600 a year or more. I am on Medicare but I am lucky enough to have a supplemental prescription drug plan through my deceased husband's insurance benefit that keeps my costs to about 10 percent of that amount. I work as a real estate broker to supplement my Social Security and pension income and every day I come in contact with seniors in affluent communities who can't make ends meet...I feel strongly that seniors should have access to prescription drugs at affordable prices. This benefit should be made a part of Medicare. I am here today because I believe in this and have told AARP that I am willing to work actively to obtain this benefit for all seniors."

Outside the gates of Bar Beach was another bus run by a group called "The Seniors Coalition." Although its sponsors also claim to be nonpartisan, their signs opposing AARP made one doubt the claim. One sign said: "AARP is funded by the Clinton-Gore administration with your tax dollars." Other anti Clinton-Gore signs were also displayed.