Allains sponsor St. Mary AARP Sept. 11 meeting

St. Mary AARP Chapter 4435 held its monthly meeting and meal on Sept. 11 at the St. Mary Senior Citizens Center, home of St. Mary AARP, in Morgan City. There were 153 AARP members in attendance.
Sen. Bret Allain, (R-Franklin), was sponsor and guest speaker of the meeting along with his son, Robert Allain, who hopes to replace his father in the Louisiana Senate for District 21.
Bret Allain told members he has reached his third and final term limit. He listed what he considers his important accomplishments including: Bayou Chene flood protection project ($80 million), Atchafalaya River Bridge Painting repair ($25 million), Long Allen bridge repair and paint ($25 million), vans for St. Mary Council on Aging ($500,000), Chez Hope maintenance and repair of building ($270,000), ARC ($250,000), and Port Emergency Operation Center ($14 million).
Robert Allain spoke about his goals and reminders members that early voting is Sept. 30 to Oct. 7. Election Day is Oct. 14.
AARP members received gifts from the senator and Ramona Trosclair won a 65-inch color television donated by the senator.
AARP President Bryce Merrill thanked Sterling Fryou for entertaining members with karaoke during social hour. Members were able to dance while being serenaded with music.
In business news, Merrill updated members with upcoming activities, which include:
—Hot dogs, chili, chips and a bottle of water will be sold each Wednesday at bingo for $5.
—Ongoing search for a leader for exercise classes and the New Year’s Eve dance.
—A fall market will take place Oct. 21, booth rental is $25 which includes three tables. Deadline to register is Wednesday, Oct. 18.
—Trips are: Hollywood Casino, Oct. 27 for $35 and participants will get $20 for slot play upon arrival; Branson, Missouri, Nov. 9-15; and Christmas in the Oaks, Dec. 7. Contact Kathy Roundtree at 985-637-3893 or 985-446-9616. Additionally, there will be two trips to Baltimore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, April 28-May 3, 2024 and Nov. 3-8, 2024. For more information contact Vickie Armstrong at 985-856-9210.
Members attending were treated to chicken and sausage jambalaya, green beans, rolls, cookies and water. Following bingo, members celebrating birthdays and anniversaries were recognized.
St. Mary AARP’s next monthly meeting and meal will be Oct. 2 at the center located at 4014 Chennault St. Doors open at 4 p.m. and bingo begins at 5:30 p.m.
The AARP office is open Mondays, Wedn-esdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon. Get more information about AARP or its activities by calling 985-384-2277.