AARP is the place to be

Retired and over the age of 50 with nothing to do?

Consider joining Valley Stream's chapter of the American Association of Retired People (AARP), an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those retirees over the age of 50.

“We do our best to help seniors in our community help themselves and to maintain a state of living that makes them feel comfortable,” said chapter President Harry Best.

The local chapter holds meetings on the second Tuesday of every month, where issues that plague its members in the community are discussed and addressed.

Each meeting also usually includes a guest speaker from a local government agency who provides information on topics relevant to the group’s members. This past month, the organization invited an officer from the Town of Hempstead Public Safety division to give a security briefing on what seniors can do to protect themselves from dangerous people and situations, ranging from credit card fraud to home invasion.

Meetings for the Valley Stream AARP chapter are currently being held in the lower level of Blessed Sacrament Church. The organization formerly met at the administration building in Hendrickson Park before flooding caused by a mid-August rainstorm damaged the building and caused them to be displaced for the time being.

“We're hoping to have an official from the village come to our next meeting to give us an update on the status of the administration building and when it might be possible to move back,” said a hopeful Dorothy Schleich, an AARP board member.

Several members have been involved with AARP for more than 15 years. Many simply seek to serve their community after having retired from their careers. This spring, the local chapter plans to work with Island Harvest in an effort to combat hunger on Long Island.

The organization maintains a hierarchy similar to that of a youth student council, with a president, vice president, treasurer and a secretary along with an appointed board of representatives. It hosts an election every other year, with this year’s elections being held in April before the swearing in of the officials the following month.

“In addition to an update on the administration building, we're hoping to have a village official such as the mayor come to swear in the cabinet,” said treasurer Lee Kiel.

The entire chapter contains 69 paid members who are direct beneficiaries of the AARP program. Benefits include volunteering opportunities, discounts on shopping and travel, and insurance and financial information helpful to retirees. The Valley Stream chapter is always looking for new members and anyone looking to be a part of AARP can access its website, www.aarp.org.

“We welcome all guests and any new members to our meetings,” said Best.