Aug. 10 was the 50th anniversary celebration of Black Forest AARP Chapter 1100. Friends of the chapter and relatives of the original chapter members were among those who were invited ó and they showed up.Chapter President Candace Lehmann, and Lavonne Hidy, event director, presided at the ceremonies. Lehmann presented a handsome plaque from AARP Colorado recognizing the occasion and in appreciation and recognition of the chapterís 50 years of service to AARP and the chapterís commitment to the motto ìTo Serve Not to be Served.îJeremiah Mora, the Colorado AARP state and community engagement manager, congratulated the chapter on its long history of community service.Special awards were presented to all the octogenarian members of the chapter and a review of the history and accomplishments of Chapter 1100 was also presented. Especially noteworthy was the recognition that Chapter 1100 had been selected as the best AARP Chapter in Colorado for Community Service 14 times in the last 20 years, and individual chapter members have been formally recognized by AARP Colorado on 29 occasions during the same period for their unique community service activities.The Forest Chorus, an a cappella singing group, led a short program of patriotic songs to the delight of everyone. Several ìlong timeî Black Forest residents then described the community 50 years ago and their recollections of some of the original Chapter 1100 members, noting that much has changed in the community since the chapter was founded.Attendees were encouraged to look through the extensive set of chapter scrapbooks and to visit the table with literature and items of common need that were provided by AARP and the chapter.At the conclusion of the ceremonies, everyone was invited to socialize and partake of cake and ice cream.Chapter 1100 has always been active in community outreach. For 11 years, the chapter conducted a free shredding event of personal documents, interrupted only by the COVID pandemic. During the 11-year span, about 3,500 individuals were served, well over a million pounds of paper was shredded, plus 5,635 pounds of food and $5,253 donated to the local food bank, Black Forest Cares. The chapter has also actively participated in the Black Forest Festival, has supported the Colorado Veterans Home in Florence, has staffed information tables at many community fairs and exhibits, and was active in the outreach and assistance to individuals who suffered from the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires. The chapter has also partnered with church and several charitable organizations to raise donations for numerous charitable causes.The chapter publishes a monthly newsletter, maintains a website, has an annual picnic, potluck lunches, annual lunch outings and has had numerous interesting and educational guest programs at chapter meetings.Chapter 1100 meets at noon the second Wednesday of each month at the Black Forest Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall at 12455 Black Forest Road. All ages are welcome. Contact Chapter President Candace Lehmann at 314-330-0411 for more information.
