Raleigh - Wake County AARP Chapter #3689
AARP Chapter #3689 was incorporated on June 14, 1984 with 79 charter members following a division from the only AARP Chapter in Wake County. Despite the challenges our charter members faced, they persevered with grit, determination and a shared vision to create an independent group that would serve our community effectively. Currently the chapter has 66 paid members and continues to grow. Throughout the chapter's history, we have provided our members with opportunities for fellowship, fun, learning, recreation and engagement in community affairs. We hope to pass on this heritage to our current members and to the many members yet to come.
One of our most revered charter members, L.C. Bruce, who passed away in 1996, left a moving message that inspires us today: "As long as I am alive, there will be a #3689 because I love you and enjoy living with you. With the help of many of you, we shall overcome." These powerful words embody the spirit of our chapter and remind us of the strong bonds that unite us.
From those early days of finding suitable meeting venues and recruiting enough volunteers for our noble causes, we have grown into a thriving organization that has left an indelible mark on our community. We have consistently organized various volunteer activities, including the AARP/WORKS employment planning program, the Urban Ministries Food Pantry, the Raleigh Rescue Mission, Wake Up and Read, Council on Aging, and the 55 Alive Driving program. We even hosted a multi-chapter AARP meeting in 1991, where we welcomed Raleigh Mayor Avery Upchurch and the National Executive Director of AARP, Horace Deets.
And through it all, we have remained true to our roots of building a solid community among our members. As new members join us, we welcome them with open arms, eager to keep our legacy alive.
At the October 16, 2014 membership meeting, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of our chapter. Suzanne LaFollette Black, then AARP Associate State Director, presented the chapter with a cecificate honoring our 30th anniversary of incorporation. She offered her personal congratulations to our chapter for its efforts over the years and offered best wishes for our continued success. Ms. Black then presented a Chapter Award to our president, George C. Gross, and a 30th Anniversary Award from Barry Rand, the AARP National President at that time. Special congratulations were conferred upon Kathleen Smithwick, a current member and an original charter member. Kathleen has served in many capacities over the years and credits the chapter's guest speakers for keeping her interested and engaged. We are proud of you, Kathleen...well done!
One of our most revered charter members, L.C. Bruce, who passed away in 1996, left a moving message that inspires us today: "As long as I am alive, there will be a #3689 because I love you and enjoy living with you. With the help of many of you, we shall overcome." These powerful words embody the spirit of our chapter and remind us of the strong bonds that unite us.
From those early days of finding suitable meeting venues and recruiting enough volunteers for our noble causes, we have grown into a thriving organization that has left an indelible mark on our community. We have consistently organized various volunteer activities, including the AARP/WORKS employment planning program, the Urban Ministries Food Pantry, the Raleigh Rescue Mission, Wake Up and Read, Council on Aging, and the 55 Alive Driving program. We even hosted a multi-chapter AARP meeting in 1991, where we welcomed Raleigh Mayor Avery Upchurch and the National Executive Director of AARP, Horace Deets.
And through it all, we have remained true to our roots of building a solid community among our members. As new members join us, we welcome them with open arms, eager to keep our legacy alive.
At the October 16, 2014 membership meeting, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of our chapter. Suzanne LaFollette Black, then AARP Associate State Director, presented the chapter with a cecificate honoring our 30th anniversary of incorporation. She offered her personal congratulations to our chapter for its efforts over the years and offered best wishes for our continued success. Ms. Black then presented a Chapter Award to our president, George C. Gross, and a 30th Anniversary Award from Barry Rand, the AARP National President at that time. Special congratulations were conferred upon Kathleen Smithwick, a current member and an original charter member. Kathleen has served in many capacities over the years and credits the chapter's guest speakers for keeping her interested and engaged. We are proud of you, Kathleen...well done!
On July 18, 2019, we celebrated our 35th Anniversary at our regular monthly meeting held at Atria Oakridge senior living. Audrey Galloway, AARP Associate Director of North Carolina was our guest speaker. A lovely red and white anniversary cake was provided by Atria's chef. Historical documents and photos were on display. Congratulatory messages were received from Catherine Alicia Georges, AARP National Volunteer President and Jo Ann Jenkins, AARP Chief Executive Officer. They applauded our work in information and educational programs, legislative activities, advocacy efforts, and community service. Chapter 3689 shares the vision of our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy, by bringing members together "To Serve, Not To Be Served". We applaud the members for their continued interest and commitment to the chapter.
So we look forward to celebrating our 40th anniversary in 2024 with pride and joy, knowing that we have accomplished so much and have so much more to offer. Here's to our founding members and all of our members, past and present, who have helped us thrive after dividing.