Local AARP expanding ranks

Established in 1974, the AARP chapter 1952 of Houston County has doubled its membership in the past year.

Greg Davis took over as president of the chapter in November 2014. After seeing the dwindling numbers, he decided to start marketing the organization to a wider audience.

Davis recruited volunteers to attend health fairs, public speaking events and has hosted fundraisers to try to boost not only membership, but awareness.

One of the fundraisers this year is the Forever Young dance Jan. 30 from 4:30-10 p.m. at the Wellston Center, 155 Maple St.

The fundraisers help the chapter print newsletters and promotional materials.

Last year, before Davis took over as president, membership dwindled to 34 people. In its inception in the '70s, it had 200-300 members. The current count for chapter 1952 is 67, but Davis plans on expanding that number.

Although it is based in Warner Robins, the chapter includes all cities in Houston County, including Perry and Centerville.

Davis has printed T-shirts with chapter information with a QR code printed on it that people can scan to be taken to the chapter website.

Monthly meetings are held every fourth Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Wellston Center.

"Most people think about AARP as insurance discounts, but it's way beyond that," Davis said.

With more than 37 million members, according to its website, AARP also lobbies for senior citizens in government. It offers discounts on travel, healthcare and financial advice as well as other discounts and services.

Locally, approximately 11.7 percent of the population of Houston County is age 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census.

A common misconception is that a person needs to be 65 years old to join. AARP membership starts at age 50, Davis said.

Of the current members, six are 90 or older. A few of the members are World War II veterans.

The chapter has a rich history, and Davis wants to add to that history.

"I'm excited about things we are doing here. What we're doing benefits us all," he said.

For more information about the chapter, visit www.choice1952.com, call 478-318-0471 or email gdavismail@gmail.com. AARP can be found online at www.aarp.org.

This story was originally published January 13, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Local AARP expanding ranks ."