Across the state, Hawai‘i’s AARP chapters offer rewarding opportunities for friendship, education, advocacy and volunteer service. On O‘ahu there are three AARP chapters in Honolulu, Pearlridge and Wai‘anae.

The Honolulu Chapter (Chapter 60) meets for lunch on the first Wednesday of every month at the Hale Koa Hotel, where guest speakers talk on such diverse topics as legislation and entertainment. Some members enjoy attending special events and engaging in community service activities. Others donate their time teaching AARP Driver Safety classes or preparing tax returns through the AARP Tax-Aide program.

“Everyone has a different reason for joining a chapter,” says T. J. Davies, treasurer of the Honolulu Chapter, which has more than 100 active members. “I’m not the kind of person to sit around. I’m able to give my time to something that I believe in. I believe in helping people in my community to the best of my ability.”

Create The Good is another community service initiative offering opportunities for chapter members to get involved. AARP launched Create The Good nationally last year to encourage boomers and older Americans to make a difference in their communities and help solve pressing local problems. Create The Good expands on traditional ways to volunteer. It connects people with simple but meaningful activities, time-flexible opportunities, and a wide variety of areas of interest. Find out more at www.createthegood.org. Or call Jackie Boland at AARP Hawai‘i at 545-6003.

Whatever you’re interested in, connecting with AARP through one of its O‘ahu chapters is a fun and rewarding way to connect with others in our community.

Honolulu Chapter Contact: T. J. Davies at 593-1026 Meetings: First Wednesday of the month at the Hale Koa Hotel

Pearlridge Chapter Contact: Larry Carrasco, Vice President, at 455-5658 Meetings: Second Thursday of the month at Flamingo Restaurant in Pearl City.

Waianae Chapter Contact Zoe Jarvis at 696-3369 Meetings: First Friday of every month (location to be announced).