AARP Chapter 2652 is a Valuable Thrive Penobscot Partner

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Chapter 2652 was formed in 1975 to provide opportunities for Millinocket citizens 50 years of age and older. AARP provides an opportunity for members to socialize, share information on issues affecting senior citizens and encourages members to remain active by volunteering within the community. AARP has partnered with Thrive Penobscot, because many AARP members are at a stage in life where they may need services provided by Thrive Penobscot and other members are active volunteers with Thrive Penobscot partners.

AARP meets at the Millinocket Baptist Church on the first Monday of each month from October to June. The September meeting is the second Monday because of Labor Day. Meetings are at 1pm except for December and June when chapter banquets are held beginning at noon. Any person age 50 or older is invited to attend these meetings whether they are retired or not. Chapter membership at the end of 2016 was 68, with an average attendance of 40 to 45 at meetings.

At each meeting some time is devoted to routine chapter business. New information useful to senior citizens is provided, including information on changes to Medicare, tax rules and new phone and computer scams. At each meeting there is a guest speaker or entertainment. Guest speakers have included the Millinocket Town Manager, Hospital Administrator, School Superintendent and Thrive Penobscot. Entertainment has included members of the Elementary and High School Performing Arts Departments and the Has Beens. A light meal and opportunity to socialize is provided at the end of each meeting. At the Christmas meetings and June banquet members are encouraged to bring donations for local food pantries. AARP also organizes two bus trips each year to give peoples who may not want to drive long distances an opportunity to shop in Bangor or Houlton.

Members are encouraged to participate in volunteer activities. Many of the organizations that members volunteer with are partners with Thrive Penobscot. A large number of volunteer hours are donated by volunteer tax aides, Meals on Wheels drivers, Community Café servers, Nursing Home volunteers, rides by Eastern Agency on Aging Elder Buddies and many others. Total volunteer hours recorded by members in 2016 was 3917.
If anyone would like to become an AARP member, they should come to one of the monthly meetings and check things out. Membership dues are $5 per year. Local chapter members must also be members of National AARP. National membership dues are $16, with discounts available for multi-year membership.