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Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer
Senior Advocate: Marilyn Clough, 71, has been president of the Campbell chapter of the AARP for the past two years.
Public Citizen
AARP president has largest chapter
By Moryt Milo
Campbell senior Marilyn Clough has been working hard to improve the quality of life of the area's aging population since becoming a member of the local AARP chapter six years ago.
The longtime Campbell resident joined AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, because friends encouraged her to join. Two years ago she became the president of the organization's Campbell chapter.
"When the organization first asked me to become president, I thought, 'Oh boy,'" Clough says with a chuckle. "But after thinking about it, I decided it would probably be a good experience for me."
Clough's decision to become president also gave her an opportunity to utilize her public speaking skills.
"I'm not scared to stand up in front of people and talk," Clough, 71, says, an attribute that is especially needed in the Campbell chapter, with 180 members.
The chapter has the largest membership on this end of the peninsula, Clough says, considered quite an accomplishment for a local chapter that is only seven years old. The chapter draws members from Los Gatos, Saratoga, Santa Clara and San Jose, and Clough attributes its growth to a strong initial steering committee.
"The group's size and level of interest is also a reflection of our community, which spends a lot of time volunteering in schools, churches and senior homes," Clough says. "We added up the hours and came up with a staggering 19,000 a year for just our group."
The members in the chapter are between the ages of 50 and 90 and participate in various activities and projects.
One project, which began when the group formed, was the adoption of the Camden Convalescent Home, located at 1331 Camden Ave.
The group visits the home and spends time with seniors organizing Scrabble, Monopoly or bingo games.
"Most of the residents just like it when we visit," Clough says. "It's like a breath of fresh air for them."
The chapter also supports Sacred Heart Church, located at 1381 S. First St., with members regularly collecting clothes and food.
In addition to the chapter's community service, the organization also provides important services to its members. It offers informational forums, presenting legislative issues affecting seniors, and discussing healthcare issues, Social Security, personal safety and senior advocacy programs.
"Our people are so connected within the community," Clough says. "When we have information meetings, even if what is being said doesn't affect the person listening, those attending may be able to help someone else."
Although the group has nationwide clout and can connect seniors to the right resources, Clough says, getting the word out is hard.
"We have a wealth of services available for seniors in the community, but people don't know about them or how to access the help," she says.
For Clough, the combination of community volunteering and helping through AARP is the right formula, but she credits the group as the reason for the chapter's success.
"We are a very special chapter," she says.
Know someone who deserves to be in the paper? Nominate a Public Citizen! Send the name of a noteworthy neighbor to : Editor, The Campbell Reporter, 1095 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126; fax 408.200.1013; or email ssanchez@svcn.com.
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Campbell, California
