AARP Chapter #1831 held its February meeting at the Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on Pickens Street.

Mrs. Sarah Plemons, president, called the meeting to order and read an article about honor and respect for citizens who are serving in the military protecting our freedom.

Following the welcome, she introduced Ms. Ann Haill, AARP area representative, as program speaker. Haill shared many needs of AARP members and reviewed the 2014 advocacy priorities, which are available to meet them. These included Affordable Health Care, home and community based services and caregiver support, consumer protections, financial exploitation protection and elder abuse.

She also talked about age friendly communities, capacity building (communications) and legislation, which covers or is in the making to meet the needs of citizens including budgets for programs like Meals on Wheels and Medicaid and predatory lending.

She presented several handouts asking for volunteers for visiting, speaking and writing letters to lawmakers and people to promote programs that meet needs of people to make a difference. The big need, food, was mentioned and members were told how they can help meet that need by promoting programs such as home gardening and Salad Bowl and Sack Lunches. Questions were answered and she was thanked for sharing information.

During the business meeting, members repeated the pledge to the USA flag, minutes of the previous meeting (December) were read and approved and the treasurer’s report was given.

Yearbooks were distributed and will be completed next month.

Mrs. Plemons served as hostess with a Valentine theme. Mrs. Laverne Stacks will be hostess next month.

Martin Conley received the fundraiser dessert and will bring one next month. Freida Betterton, Conley, Venita Proctor and Sarah Plemons won door prizes.

Freida Betterton gave the blessing for the covered dish meal.