“It is only in the giving of oneself to others that we truly live. The human contribution is the essential ingredient.”
AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus
AARP Ohio Volunteer Summit & Lobby Day
AARP Ohio Volunteer Summit & Lobby Day April 23rd - April 24th, 2024
AARP Ohio statewide volunteers gathered in Columbus, Ohio
Members of the Cleveland Heights AARP Chapter 5018 joined other AARP Ohio statewide volunteers for a Lobby Day photo at the Thomas Worthington Center-Ohio Statehouse.
Various meetings were scheduled with Senators and members of the House of Representatives.
Submitted by Sherldean Davis
In Memory of Our Beloved Mrs. Carolyn Cooper
AARP Chapter 5018 Cleveland Heights Early History
In 1993, Richard Lamirand, an AARP District Director, contacted the Cleveland Heights, Ohio Office on Aging to form an AARP Chapter in Cleveland Heights. The Office on Aging was enthusiastic about the proposed AARP Chapter and graciously agreed to provide the meeting space then; and currently still does. At that time, there were approximately 25 AARP Chapters in Cuyahoga County.
The initial “AARP Informational” meeting was scheduled at the Cleveland Heights Senior Center. An announcement of this meeting for seniors was posted at the Senior Center and in the Sun Press local newspaper. This meeting and subsequent informational meetings attracted many interested seniors. At these meetings, Richard Lamirand gave the history of AARP and the purpose of an AARP Local Chapter. The AARP Chapter’s purpose is to be a network for seniors to socialize within an age-applicable group setting, obtain information relevant to senior issues, make new friends, meet travel buddies, enjoy outings, and have fun. Those interested in helping with the organizing, being an officer, or helping in some other capacity were invited to a Chapter organizational meeting two weeks later.
At least fifteen interested seniors attended the first organizational meeting, which was to get working toward establishing the AARP Chapter in Cleveland Heights. At this meeting, officers, board members, and a membership committee chair were selected, and a monthly meeting day was chosen. The chosen officers were Alfred Hill, President; Jogues Epple, Vice President; Betty Harold, Recording Secretary; and Dorothy Halberg, Treasurer. In addition to the officers, board members included Art and Mary Glassman, Clara and Stan Green, Marion Fuhry, Elsie Day, Viola Burt, Harold Levine, Walter Nichols, Carolyn Cooper, Frank, and Ruth Ruther. Mary Glassman was appointed as Membership Chair. It was decided that membership signup would begin at the next general meeting. The annual membership dues were set at $4 then and is currently $10. The dues help pay for refreshments and other Chapter related business.
There were several changes, additions to the organization and leadership as the Chapter was getting its feet on the ground during the following year. Treasurer Dorothy Halberg moved away and was replaced by Art Glassman. Elsie Day became Program Committee Chair. Carolyn Cooper became Travel Committee Chair and has been in that position ever since. A Telephone Committee, suggested by Mary Glassman and chaired by Clara and Stan Green, was established to remind members of upcoming meetings. In addition, in the Spring of 1994, President Al Hill resigned due to employment commitments. At the same time, Vice President Jogues Epple resigned because he was moving away. Art Glassman became President, Elsie Day filled the Vice President opening, and Frank Ruther replaced Art as Treasurer. At the suggestion of Carolyn Cooper, the Travel Committee was established and chaired by Carolyn Cooper. In the beginning, it was established that no profit would be made from the AARP Chapter trips, which is currently in effect.
The first social activity was a meet and greet party in June 1993. The first day trip was to Put-in-Bay Village on South Bass Island in Lake Erie the following spring. The first overnight trip to the Jersey shore, including Atlantic City, soon followed. Members Barbara Macklin and Viola Burt have assisted Carolyn during the trips for over two decades. Carolyn's husband, Richard, transported the bus supplies, primarily snacks and drinks, from their home to the bus on departure mornings. These trips were and are a big draw for attracting new members.
Establishing the Chapter was the main focus during the startup years. Standing Rules were written and sent to AARP National for approval. Chapter leaders attended meetings for the Northeast Ohio Chapter Officers to keep informed of AARP national and state news.
Finally, with all requirements satisfied, the Cleveland Heights group was approved by AARP National as AARP Chapter 5018. It was a proud day in April 1995 when AARP District Director Richard Lamirand and Cleveland Heights’ Mayor Carol Edwards presented AARP Chapter 5018 with the official AARP Chapter Charter certificate at a celebration meeting.
To help recruitment in a couple of the early years, the Chapter Officers staffed a table to hand out AARP literature and Chapter information at the Severance Center Mall's annual Community Day. Unfortunately, these events did not result in many new members and this effort was discontinued. However, the Chapter continued to grow due primarily to word-of-mouth and a presence at the Cleveland Heights Senior Center. After a few more years, Chapter 5018 became one of the largest, if not the largest, AARP Chapter in Ohio, with over 150 members.
A feature of each monthly Chapter meeting was a guest who spoke on a topic of particular interest to seniors. Speakers included doctors, lawyers, government officials, community organization representatives, authors, and members with specialized interests or occupations. No sales pitches were allowed.
After each meeting, there was socializing with refreshments. Refreshments started simply enough with just coffee and tea. Then purchased boxed cookies were added, followed by home-baked cookies. Eventually, the refreshments reached the level of a meal with fried chicken or pizza and various salads and desserts.
A continuing tradition of holding two raffles a year was begun. A Chapter fund-raiser Spring raffle for a fruit basket donated by member Maury Feren for many years. At the end-of-the-year, a holiday raffle for various donated prizes was held with the proceeds providing necessities, including food and clothing, for a needy Cleveland Heights individual or couple. The recipient was selected by the Cleveland Heights Office on Aging social workers. The Chapter was not told their identity, only their needs.
AARP Cleveland Heights Chapter 5018 has continued to thrive, currently with 120 members at the beginning of the hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. Hopefully, the members are looking forward to returning to meeting in person and continuing the Chapter activities in 2022.
Surviving Founder Members As of May 2021
Art Glassman is a retired NASA engineer. After retiring, Art was a Volunteer Computer Tutor at the Cleveland Heights Senior Center Computer Lab and was involved with Cleveland Heights Meals-On-Wheels, including several years as president.
Carolyn Cooper worked in commercial education. She supervised an office with several people under her leadership. In addition, she is a highly proficient travel coordinator and has done so with organizations other than our Chapter.
- NOTE: In May 2021, the surviving founders together took time out of their day to provided the AARP Chapter 5018 history.
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