NORWICH – A group of local senior citizens are hoping some new faces can breathe life back into their organization, and add some fresh air to the collective breath of their communities.

Right now the Chenango County Chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons isn’t what it once was, says current President Nellie Pratt. However, Pratt says she’s optimistic that if a new generation of retired persons decide they’d like to jump-start the civic and senior-minded initiative, as the chapter’s charter members did over 20 years ago (Pratt is only one of two remaining), then the opportunities – and necessity – for seniors will be ever present.

“We’re quietly there, but people don’t know it,” Pratt said. “We want people to know we are still here, and we are still available to help out.”

Pratt claims there are always duties awaiting seniors that benefit communities at-large, but not enough active hands to carry them out. She outlined numerous projects the AARP is involved with county-wide, including a host of volunteer programs administered in conjunction with Opportunities for Chenango, Habitat for Humanity, the Area Agency on Aging and the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. The chapter also volunteers at many local events, such as the Colorscape Chenango Arts & Music Festival and the recent Pumpkin Festival.