“People need to come to our meetings,” Ikeler said. “It’s good for them and it’s good for others.” For those with transportation problems, she offers a solution. “It’s possible to have a ride,” she said. “Somebody can come and pick you up and take you home.”Alma Ikeler is the new president, and Paul Smith is the first vice-president. Maxine Spracklen will serve as both second vice president and membership chair. Norma Henderson is treasurer, Annette Subic, Assistant Treasurer, and Grace Dominick serves as recording and corresponding secretary. Louisa Asher will head Good Cheer, Neva Hastings will direct Hospitality, and Marian Rybarczyk and Charlie Thrower will be in charge of refreshments. Paul Smith and Maxine Bryden will be Program Chairs. The local Santa Paula AARP chapter is known for informative meetings and good entertainment, but an important part of the monthly meetings is humor. It was noted at December’s meeting that, “This is the season when you buy this year’s presents with next year’s money!”
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AARP looking for members
December 20, 2006
Santa Paula News
By Susan Branham
Santa Paula TimesAARP Santa Paula is looking forward to a new year of fun and friendship. They’ll kick off the new year with a performance by the Raspberry Jazz Band. Guests are invited to come and enjoy the meeting and learn what AARP has to offer. “You don’t have to belong to AARP to come,” Alma Ikeler, incoming president, said. “You can come as a guest and enjoy yourself.” The fun begins at 1:30 p.m. on January 2. Ikeler encourages members and visitors to come and have some refreshments and enjoy the program. “We had the Raspberry Jazz Band here before,” Ikeler said. “They all play two instruments and they sing and they play our type of music.”“AARP has been in Santa Paula for a little over 30 years,” said Ikeler. “It’s a gathering place, a visiting place. The meetings are held at the Community Center.” Ikeler was installed as the new president at the December meeting. Members and guests dined on pie and coffee and sang Christmas carols after attending to some business.Alma Ikeler is a familiar face in Santa Paula. She worked for 13 years as coordinator of the Senior Center, and she is anticipating another good year. AARP meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month, and annual dues are only $6. Members also receive a newsletter.Meetings feature drawings, with tickets for only 50 cents. “It’s always fun to be a winner,” said Ikeler. Fifty is also the age required for membership. The programs alternate between informative speakers and entertainment. The 55 Alive driving program is another part of AARP’s service to the community, and a tour to Laughlin, Nevada is also in the works.
