AARP Historic Chapter #1 in Youngtown returned to “in-person” meetings May 6, after a 27-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Almost 50 members attended an evening of fun, food, giveaways and catching up on each other’s lives since they last met in person. The evening was called to order by President Jay Lickus and the Chapter Board. A special thank you was given to Mayor Michael LeVault and the town of Youngtown for their support and generosity in allowing the chapter to meet again in the council chambers. A short remembrance was held for members who passed away during the pandemic: Tim Ayres, Orville and Pat Druehl, Ray Jeffreys, Beverly Meers and Arlene Rajcevich.

Councilwoman Margaret Chittenden led the members in the pledge of allegiance and gave a short invocation.

The members then participated in a pot-luck “Cinco de Mayo” Mexican dinner. Brenda Holt, Associate Arizona State Director of Community Outreach & Advocacy at AARP, brought the chapter up to date on everything happening at AARP to support the senior population including initiatives on senior homelessness, affordable housing, lowering utility costs, lowering medication costs and advocating for improvements in the Medicare system. She also brought a huge assortment of AARP goodies for the members to have.

The AARP Historic Chapter #1 Board then reviewed with the chapter activities they were a part of during the pandemic. During the two years since last meeting, the Chapter was still very active and involved in a myriad of community projects. Highlights included holding two community shred-a-thons hosted by the AARP Arizona office, multiple food drives for the Valley View Community Food Bank, a day of support and donations for the line workers and ground support staff providing aircraft maintenance on fighter aircraft at Luke Air Force Base, a donation drive for local veterans at Kingswood Place assisted living in Surprise, as well as numerous cash donations to local nonprofits like Benevilla and the Valley View Community Food Bank.

Several awards were presented during the meeting as well. Community Partner Champion awards were presented to Mayor LeVault and the Town of Youngtown as well as AARP Arizona for their support of the chapter over the years. Joe McGarvey was presented the inaugural 2019 Chapter Member of the Year award for his service as well as his dedication and commitment to the success of the Chapter.

AARP Historic Chapter #1 is the oldest existing AARP Chapter in the nation. It was organized Sept. 23, 1960 in Youngtown, and was incorporated Oct. 20, 1969. There are currently more than 75 members. They are always seeking new, active members and volunteers for the Chapter. Individuals must be a current member of national AARP to join the local chapter. Dues are $10 per year. The Chapter meets 5:30 p.m. the first Friday of every month in the Youngtown clubhouse and council chambers, 12030 Clubhouse Square.