Published in Pawtucket Times on February 11, 2002

Up until last year, the American Association of Retired Persons operated a regional office in Boston, just a 45-minute drive from the Ocean State. The closing of the Boston regional office cleared the way for the nation’s largest group serving people ages 50-plus to open up a state office in Rhode Island.

With a state office up and running, AARP will better serve its 17 Rhode Island chapters, whose membership now totals more than 129,000 persons.

With AARP’s new office at 10  Orms St., Providence, Rhode Island has become one of the last remaining offices to open a local office.

“We’re happy as quahogs in our new digs.” This quote, superimposed on dozens of quahogs, decorates the front cover of AARP’s open house invitation.

The design sets the stage for last week’s Ocean State bash to celebrate the opening of AARP’s plush 4,200-square-foot Providence office. The opening reception, featuring a sampling of Rhode Island delicacies from each region of the state, reinforced the point AARP was trying to make – that its new home is Rhode Island.

One hundred and fifty people came to AARP Rhode Island’s grand opening bash, including AARP chapter presidents and volunteers, elected state officials and lawmakers, staff from the state’s various Congressional delegation and representatives of a myriad of aging organizations.

For more than two hours, they mingled and enjoyed the plentiful food and drink whipped up and served by Eastside Catering. Many even took tours of the new office, as well.

“Having an office in our capital city sends a message to our members and community partners that we are raising the visibility of AARP in Rhode Island and intend to rev up our advocacy and educational initiatives throughout the state,” said State AARP Director Kathleen S. Connell, welcoming the crowd of well-wishers.

Providence Mayor Vincent “Buddy” Cianci brought his official greets to AARP’s gathering, too.

“It’s cause for great celebration that we now have direct representation in Providence of one of the most effective and beneficial associations advocating for retired persons in the world today,” Cianci told the crowd gathered in the packed conference room.

Cianci can be a tough act to follow, but AARP National Board Member Virginia Tierney, held her own.

Tierney, who came from Quincy, Mass. To attend the festivities, gave her thumbs up to the office’s opening.

“Having a state office will speak to an ongoing priority for our organization -diversity,’ she said, noting that with offices in every state, the group can better position itself to reach people ages 50-plus from all walks of life. “AARP’s membership should mirror the rest of our population.”

With the conclusion of AARP’s 20-minute speaking program, a 6-foot ribbon held by AARP staffers was cut by Cianci, who  was surrounded by Tierney, Secretary of State Ed Inman, General Treasurer Paul Tavares, and acting State President Virgilio DeVecchis.

So, what’s so special about AARP’s new “digs?”

AARP’s new office, right across from the Providence Marriott Hotel, has a very large conference room with video tele-conferencing capabilities. This room, is large enough to fit  30 people around a large rectangular conference table. Got room for an educational program or large meeting?  No problem. The space allows for the setting up of 100 chairs theater-style.

Meanwhile, a smaller conference room provides ample space to meet in small groups. Additionally, another small room is equipped with multiple phone hookups to allow AARP staffers and volunteers to use in their advocacy efforts and for compiling information through phone surveys. AARP’s four staffers each have an office with one office available for use by visiting AARP Regional and National Staff.

AARP’s office is colorfully decorated. Wall-to-wall mulberry-colored carpet, dark stained wood along the grayish walls, a teal-colored sofa and chairs in the reception area and heavy dark-stained office furniture throughout the office to create a traditional, conservative look.

Colorful prints provided by the Rhode Island School of Design’s Museum of Arts adorn the grayish walls in the front office area.

“Great turnover,” said AARP volunteer Marie Kerr of Middletown.  The former school nurse and teacher states that AARP members now have a home to come to. “It’s a good location, too, for statewide meetings,” she says.

Volunteer Mary Garrett, a former special education teacher from Newport, adds that the new office is a great place for AARP Members to gather with peers.