The American Association of Retired People, AARP, is a way for members to socialize and to get discounts with services.
Garry Felts has been the local chapter’s president for a year and a half and a member for 18 years.
“I don’t think I missed many meetings,” he said.
AARP is an organization for people 50 and older that strives to enhance the quality of life of people as they age. The organization provides information to members about advocacy and services.
The Shawano AARP gets together at 2:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month at the Civic Center for about an hour. There is a meeting and then a program or speaker. If there isn’t a set program, Felts entertains.
“I tell jokes until they get bored with me,” he said.
Following the meeting and program, there is a lunch. Members take turns bringing the food. They also have potluck meals three times a year and then play bingo.
The members have bake sales twice a year to raise money for two scholarships that they sponsor each year to students going to technical school. Members also work at the Red Barn at Charlie’s County Market three times in the summer to raise funds.
Felts said they enjoy making the brats and burgers.
“It really helps our scholarships,” he said. “We usually do pretty good.”
Coming up in January, February and March are AARP card parties at 1:30 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month at the Civic Center. The parties are open to the public, and people can play cards or games, whichever they prefer.
“You can play anything you want,” Felts said.
It costs $3 per person to play, which includes lunch and door prizes.
Members of AARP get travel discounts and have access to health, automobile and homeowners insurance.
“That helps a lot,” Felts said.
Members must belong to the national organization to belong to the local group. Dues are $16 a year for the national group and $4 for the local group. Members receive a monthly magazine and a bulletin with the latest news and features.
Other officers are Betty Cox, vice president; Ellen Eastman, secretary and newsletter editor; and Virginia Glan, treasurer.
For more information, call Cox at 715-584-3638.
Categories
