CAMBRIDGE – Dorchester Chapter 1278 AARP held elections in December 2023, with new officers installed at the January meeting for the 2024-2026. Outgoing President Bonnie McCollister congratulates the new officers: President Tom Wolf, Secretary Anna Sorrells and Treasurer Betty Hurley.

The chapter celebrated its 50^th anniversary in June of last year, with a special luncheon prepared by the American Legion Post #91 in Cambridge.

AARP is the American Association of Retired Persons. In 1958, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus founded AARP and was its first president. It was not for profit, but the public good. The motto was then and still is “To Serve, Not to be Served.”

Dorchester Chapter 1278 was formed on Oct. 3, 1972, with its first meeting at the Church Creek Fire House with Joseph Wachlin as president. A charter was drawn up with 35 members signing.  Chapter dues were set at $2. Meetings were held once a month at Whatley Hall in Cambridge. 

The official charter was presented to Chapter 1278 at its first annual Christmas luncheon held at Shoals Restaurant. The charter has 40 members’ names. The date it originated was Dec. 7, 1972, and was incorporated March 12, 1973.

The local chapter invites anyone over the age of 50 to join the monthly meetings held at the American Legion Post #91 in Cambridge on the first Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. A person must be a member of the National AARP before being able to join the local branch.

“By joining the local AARP, you can enjoy meeting new and old friends, good entertainment, guest speakers and great trips,” a statement from the group said. For any questions and more information about joining the local chapter, call Shirley Shortall at 443-786-6641.