March 17, 2017
During their 2017 Saint Patrick’s Day Luncheon, the members of AARP Chapter 710 of Sea Isle City cast their votes for the winners of this year’s “Best Dressed Irish” contest. When the tallying was done, members Carole and Jim McCullough were chosen as this year’s Best Dressed Irish Couple, Jeanete Bisirri was the Best Dressed Irish Lady, and Jack Moore was the Best Dressed Irish Gentleman.
In addition to numerous holiday luncheons and regular monthly meetings that always include the sharing of useful information, the members of AARP Chapter 710 also gather for monthly “Buffet and Bingo” events and for other special occasions. They also produce a monthly newsletter that is filled with timely facts, including where members can find special assistance, how to avoid identity theft, and details about upcoming events in the community.
Along the way, the members of AARP Chapter 710 never fail to show their generosity to others.
“We consider community service to be one of our group’s most vital functions,” said Bob Thibault, who co-chairs Chapter 710’s Community Services Sub-Committee with his wife, Joan. “Every month we pass around our ‘blue bucket’ to collect much needed funds for local food banks. We also collect, on a continuing basis, clothing and toiletries for the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, and blankets, towels and quilts for the animals at Beacon Animal Rescue in Marmora.”
In 2016, AARP Chapter 710 members donated over $2600, which was divided amongst the Holy Redeemer Food Bank, the Food Pantry at Sea Isle United Methodist Church, the Seaville Methodist Church Food Bank, Volunteers in Medicine of South Jersey, Family Promise and the Veterans Retirement Home in Vineland.
Each year at Christmastime, they also show their kindness by making a sizable donation of gifts and cash to Mayor’s Desiderio’s annual Holiday Toy and Food Drive.
“The members of Chapter 710 are very giving – that’s been shown,” said President Frank Roach. “I think we are attracting more and more members because people are aware of all that we do – all of our charitable efforts, all the luncheons we host, and all the trips we organize. That’s what people are looking for – especially seniors.”
New members are invited to attend AARP Chapter 710’s meetings on the second Thursday of the month (autumn to spring) at 1:00 p.m. in the Sea Isle City Community Lodge, 300 JFK Boulevard. For more details about membership, please call 609-390-7844.
