AARP celebrates founder’s day

By Maurice Emery
Editor

Fifty years ago a retired high school principal, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus founded AARP.  Dr. Percy was answering a need from retired people who could not find private health insurance.  It was 1958 and Dr. Percy had already found the answer to the problem when she formed the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA), for the same needs.

Twenty-three years ago the Littleton Observer printed an announcement for a meeting to form a new chapter of the American Association of Retired People (AARP).  The date was November 14, 1985.  Mildred Bizzell asked people to meet at the Warren County Rescue Squad on November 20. 

Last Thursday the Eaton’s Ferry Road AARP chapter honored both of those occasions with a Founders Day celebration.  Present President Karl Groeger introduced Bill O’Neill as the master of ceremonies and then sat back and enjoyed twenty minutes of history mixed with humor and pertinent facts about the chapter.   

On October 8, 1986 the founding President Mildred Bizzell and Vice-president Kay Capistran accepted the official charter for Eaton’s Ferry Road Chapter of the AARP.  State Director Helen Forsht of Roanoke Rapids was on hand to present the charter. 

That first meeting was just the start of what is now the largest chapter in North Carolina.  To add to the event all the living past presidents were invited to join them.  In addition one of the founding members was also in attendance.

Dorothy Stansbury, who was the business manager of the Observer in 1985, is one of only four founding members still alive. Dorothy took this opportunity to pass on several scrap books she has been maintaining for the club.

Also at the meeting were past presidents and their spouses or guest.  They included Walter Boswell, Mae O’Shea (representing her deceased husband Dave), Phil Avis, Bob Messier, and Knobby Luberacki and current president Karl Groeger.

Bill talked about all the group does to give back to the area.  The Clown Corps performed for groups and in parades throughout the area and at local rest homes.  At Christmas time the carolers visit local rest homes with goody bags and songs.  He also brought attention to the other fund raising AARP does for local fire departments and other service organizations.

One of the biggest fund raisers over the last several years has been the annual spaghetti dinner.  The funds for this event along with other contributions have allowed the group to donate $4,657 to the local Relay for Life for the American Society last year. This years relay for life spaghetti diner will be one June 12.   

They took time out of the celebration and honored recently deceased Don Chartier who worked hard for Relay for Life.  He was also recognized for his work and contributions to AARP and Habitat for Humanity.  His wife, Jane, was at the meeting and was thankful for all accolades.  

After fifty years AARP continues to grow nationally and locally.  They followed their mission statement and their motto.

AARP mission Statement:  AARP is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all as we age.  We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through information, advocacy and service. 

AARP Motto:  To Serve and not to be served!