Local AARP chapter has May meeting

Published 11:02 am Thursday, June 27, 2019

AARP Chapter 632 met May 28 at the James B. Allen Generations Center with Sue Staton presiding. There were 26 members and guests present.

Following the pledge to the flag, Frank Vermillion led the group in prayer.

Bonnie Noplis, Martha Gamble and Betty Nelson were welcomed as guests.

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The group sang “Happy Birthday” to May celebrants Jean Vaughn, Elizabeth Gay and Jimmy Gay.

June Tompkins, a member of the Boonesboro Lioness Club, spoke about the Lions Club.

Lions International, headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, has moer than 1.7 million members in more than 46,000 clubs spread through more than 200 countries.

Lion is an acronym for Liberty, Intelligence and Our Nation’s Safety. Their motto is “We Serve.”

The program includes sight conservation, diabetes awareness, youth outreach, international relations, environmental issues and many other programs.

The Lions Club is best known for their focus on work for the blind.

They provide free vision screenings to people of all ages, support eye research and operate an eye bank.

The Boonesboro Lioness Club was chartered in 1973-74 with 20 members.

They distribute Easter baskets to shut-ins; provide families with food, clothes and toys each Christmas; award an annual $600 scholarship to a deserving high school student; and purchase eyeglasses in emergency situations.

The club collects eyeglasses, hearing aids and old cellphones for refurbishing.

They also collect soft drink cans for recycling.

Sue Staton reported this AARP chapter paid $35 for a booth at the Beer Cheese Festival June 8. Don Rose, Eric Staton, Ben Falmen and other members helped with setup and handed out information about AARP.

Sometime in June or July members will meet at the public library to do paper shredding. Sue Staton will contact Walmart to see if they will donate or give a discount on a shredder.

Colista Ledford read the secretary’s report and Joyce Reffett presented the treasurer’s report.

AARP also met Tuesday at the James B. Allen Generations Center, 32 Meadow St.