Andrus Awards Community Service Recognizing Volunteers AARP
Andrus Awards, Community Service, Recognizing Volunteers—AARP
ALABAMA
Ruth Blacker
AARP Alabama Executive Council member Ruth Blacker is posthumously named Alabama’s 2008 Andrus Award winner. Ruth passed away in 2007 after a brief illness. She served as a district and state coordinator with AARP/VOTE and was a member of the National Legislative Council for six years. During the past two decades, Ruth held volunteer positions with AARP, including Driver Safety instructor. Ruth’s service however, was not limited to AARP. She spent 30 years in the Virginia school system as a teacher and department chair. During that time, she developed a high school English program. After the death of her husband, Ruth joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in Poland, where she taught college students how to teach English. After returning to Alabama, she continued her work with AARP and served as a member of the Friends of the Library Board and as a Court-Appointed Juvenile Advocate. ALASKA
Marie Darlin
Juneau resident Marie Darlin was responsible for creating the AARP Juneau Chapter in 1985. Since that time, she served as its first president and remains one of its most active members. She is a tireless legislative advocate and considered the face of AARP in the legislature. Marie has been a member of the Juneau Capital City Task Force for almost 20 years and the coordinator of the Task Force for 10. She has testified on numerous issues, from senior benefits and identity theft to transportation, senior housing, and long-term care. Additionally, Marie helped form the Alaska Federation of Retired Federal Employees and served as its state president for four years. Marie’s longstanding service to others and her dedication to the values of AARP personify what Ethel Percy Andrus stated as the fundamental mission of AARP: “What we do, we do for all.”
ARIZONA
Pearl Nancarrow
Pearl Nancarrow’s tireless service and dedication to her community, and the impact she has had on the lives of others, has earned her the 2008 Arizona Andrus Award for Community Service. A retired school teacher, Pearl has volunteered for several organizations over the years, taking on leadership roles with such groups as the All-Arizona School Retirees Association, the Copper Center School-Retirees Unit, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, the Lions Club, and the Highway 60/70 Project. Her retirement has allowed Pearl to volunteer at a domestic violence shelter, a county education subcommittee, a Lions club, a garden club, and a sorority. She is a library board member and serves as Unit Secretary for the Copper Center School Retirees (a unit of AASRA). Pearl’s commitment also extends internationally. Through the Globe Lions Club, where she serves as vice president, Pearl collects eyeglasses and medical equipment for Arizona and Mexico. ARKANSAS
H.C. “Hank” Klein
As the founder and president of Arkansans Against Abusive Payday Lending, H. C. "Hank" Klein is dedicated to stopping the harmful practices of predatory lenders. He is also a leadership volunteer for predatory lending for AARP Arkansas. Hank volunteers as a docent at the Clinton Presidential Center and at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock. He has spent numerous hours traveling the state with consumer-protection forums in which he has discussed payday lending and investment fraud. During the past 38 years, he has held management positions in credit unions, he retired as the president and chief executive officer of the Arkansas Federal Credit Union (serving the U.S. Air Force in Arkansas and Florida). Hank has been involved in his local community as a past board member of the Better Business Bureau of Arkansas and through his work with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and the Jacksonville Museum of Military History. CALIFORNIA
Sam Thomas
Sam Thomas has dedicated his life to giving back to others. Through his leadership as the current regional-volunteer leader for AARP in Los Angeles County, Sam has greatly strengthened the volunteer base. He has served on numerous commissions and boards advocating on behalf of families and individuals, including the City of Pasadena Senior Commission, the Southern California Rehabilitation Services Board, the Pasadena City College Oversight Board, and the California State Department of Developmental Disabilities. Sam believes that volunteering is a wonderful and fulfilling way to give back to the community; volunteering gives people purpose and meaning outside of their everyday responsibilities.
COLORADO
Fay Strauss Fay Strauss has served older Coloradans since the early 1980s. As state coordinator for the Citizen’s Housing Information Service for Seniors program, in her first volunteer role, she assisted seniors in finding appropriate and affordable housing. Fay then became area coordinator for Health Advocacy Services, focusing her efforts on breast cancer outreach. As the state coordinator for AARP’s Connections for Independent Living program, she traveled the state spreading the word on functional, safe homes. Her multifaceted experience landed invitations to serve on the boards of LARASA, Adult Care Management, Senior Companions, TRIAD, and the Colorado Senior Lobby. Her last AARP role was that of state coordinator for BenefitsCheckUp, a program by the National Council on Aging designed to connect lower-income individuals with public benefits. CONNECTICUT
Quincy Abbot
As the father of a daughter with intellectual disabilities, Quincy Abbot has dedicated his life to advocacy for people with disabilities. He has worked on many boards and committees geared toward supporting people with disabilities. He served as president and interim executive director of The Arc of the United States and as chairman of the Governor’s Council on Mental Retardation. Quincy was the founding president of both the Corporation for Independent Living and the Corporation for Supported Employment. He was also the co-chairman of the Steering Committee for Connect-Ability, which seeks to increase employment opportunities for older adults and people with disabilities in Connecticut. In addition, he participated in the development of Connecticut’s Long-Term Care Plan and the recently completed Long-Term-Care Needs Assessment, which the AARP Public Policy Institute recognized for providing persons with the right to live in the least restrictive setting of their choice.
DELAWARE
Littleton Mitchell One of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, NAACP Delaware Chapter President Littleton Mitchell began his advocacy at age 13, when he joined the NAACP. Mitchell led the Delaware state branches of the NAACP as president for more than 30 years. In that position, he helped secure fair housing, equal access to public accommodations, and equal education and employment opportunities for Delaware’s African American community. With his wife Jane, he led efforts to desegregate Delaware’s hospitals. In 1993, the University of Delaware awarded Mitchell its Medal of Merit for community service. He also received the Delaware Bar Association’s Liberty Bell Award in 2004 and served as a presidential appointee representing Delaware for the Brown v. Board of Education 50th Anniversary Commission. WASHINGTON, D.C.
Martin Kohn
After a 30-year career in economics, Martin Kohn began volunteering with the AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE), which provides free legal services to older, low-income residents of the District. In six years at LCE, Martin has handled more than 1,000 cases. He not only provides critical research for LCE attorneys, but he also negotiates on behalf of clients on matters concerning debt collection, identity theft, access to public benefits, housing, landlord-tenant disputes, and more. He is dogged in his assistance to clients and, in the words of his supervisor, Martin rarely takes “no” for an answer. He is LCE’s go-to person for difficult cases that require special attention to detail. He personifies the motto of AARP’s founder, Ethel Percy Andrus: “to serve and not be served.” FLORIDA
Terri Koopman
Florida regional team leader Terri Koopman has volunteered tirelessly throughout the state. For 12 years, she served as a Tax-Aide counselor, volunteer instructor, and coordinator in Florida's Tax-Aide District 3. As the regional team leader, Terri directs advocacy activities in a congressional district in southwest Florida, trains new advocates, and promotes AARP positions on major issues. Terri developed the advocacy-training curriculum currently used in Florida and in several other states. She also joined Florida’s State Legislative Council. She finds time to volunteer at a free clinic that provides primary care for the uninsured and in her church. As a member of the Lions Club, she provides vision screening in Highland County schools. GEORGIA
Sally Johnston
Sally Johnston possesses a distinguished record of service in her community and with AARP. She is a longtime member of the AARP Griffin chapter and is a Tax-Aide volunteer. She is also a counselor for five Tax-Aide sites. In addition, Sally manages 50 other counselors who serve 16 sites throughout the local Tax-Aide district. With her guidance last year, AARP Tax-Aide provided assistance at more than 128 sites and helped more than 64,000 Georgians file returns. Sally is also very active in her community, where she volunteers for the Salvation Army and her church. She also serves as a board member of the McIntosh Trail Council on Aging, which assists senior adults in several counties. A retired teacher, Sally is also a member of the board of directors of the Georgia Retired Educators Foundation. The foundation awards 10 scholarships annually to deserving teachers pursuing further education. HAWAII
Rodlyn Brown
The Chapter 4936 President and a Tax-Aide volunteer, Rodlyn Brown has been an active member of AARP in Leeward, Oahu, for the past seven years. During that time, she has been busy advocating for caregiving, pedestrian safety, and livable-community issues. Rodlyn was instrumental in organizing the AARP-sponsored Grandparents Raising Grandchildren conference in 2006. She has also served as a catalyst for the Waianae Chapter’s work with coalition partners to develop a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly path from Nanakuli to Ka‘ena Point. She is an energetic and enthusiastic advocate who inspires others to speak up for the good of their communities. IDAHO
Lois Hanson
Lois Hanson is a dedicated supporter of AARP’s social-impact goals. For the past four years, she has volunteered countless hours as the lead office volunteer, or manager, of the state office of AARP Idaho. In that role, she engages in extensive outreach projects, trains and supervises volunteers, organizes large mailings, and anticipates needs within the office. Lois staffs AARP booths with a smile, recruits new members and volunteers, and shares AARP publications with wide audiences. She travels the state educating people about Medicare Part D, Divided We Fail, healthy behaviors, and scam and fraud prevention. Her efforts have empowered people to improve their lives. ILLINOIS
Mary Patton
As a member of the State Legislative Committee, Executive Council member Mary Patton has spent the last 10 years advocating for and testifying on behalf of AARP before the General Assembly. For the past four years, Mary has served as an AARP representative on the Older-Adult Services Advisory Committee. Mary has extensive knowledge of issues affecting older adults. She brings to AARP a wide range of experience serving on several state committees, including the Human Services Transportation-Plan Steering Committee, the Attorney General’s Advisory Council on Older Citizens Issues, the Senior Advisory Committee for Illinois State Rep. Mike Smith, the Community Care Program Advisory Committee, and the Illinois Coalition on Aging. INDIANA
Ben and Norma Leslie
Each week during the legislative session, AARP legislative team members Ben and Norma Leslie drive a total of six hours to and from Indianapolis to volunteer at the statehouse. The couple advocates for legislation to enhance their lives and the lives of all Hoosiers. Ben and Norma are also AARP community advocate leaders; they support AARP with their local elected officials. Ben and Norma lead by example, contributing significantly to AARP and such community organizations as their church and the Lions Club. The couple also mentors and inspires people around them to serve. Ben and Norma have been very active with AARP’s Divided We Fail initiative. They have collected nearly 800 signatures (and counting) in addition to working with and encouraging new Divided We Fail volunteers. IOWA
Arthur Gratias
Arthur Gratias has dedicated much of his life to service. One example of his volunteerism is his recent rescue of the Mason City Senior Activity Center. When the center was in jeopardy, Arthur stepped in and led efforts to raise funds for and to guide the center through a major renovation. Art met daily with businesses and individual donors to request financial contributions for a new $60,000 roof, sidewalks, a paved parking lot, tables and chairs for the center’s dance hall, a large-screen TV, and three new computers with printers and desks. He also raised money to redecorate the main building. Through Art’s efforts, hundreds of older people in the area, and the agencies serving them, have access to excellent facilities. The center remains open and available to all for recreation, exercise, meals, and fellowship. Community activities, including AARP chapter meetings and the AARP Tax-Aide and Driver Safety programs, also use the center and benefit from Art’s hard work. KANSAS
Gerald and Dianna Schmitt
Through their work as coleaders of AARP’s Divided We Fail initiative in Kansas, Gerald and Dianna Schmitt have traveled the state spreading the message about health care and financial security. They have encouraged Kansans to tell their stories and to sign pledge cards. In addition to appearing at numerous presentations to a wide variety of groups and civic organizations, Gerald and Dianna help plan the annual AARP Wichita Summit and serve as bus captains for the annual AARP Rally Day at the Capitol. Gerald and Dianna also recruit advocates for AARP issues and train them on how to effectively work with the state legislature. Gerald and Dianna also collaborate to ensure that AARP issues are in the forefront; they have collected signed DWF pledges from the Kansas congressional delegation. All along the way, they recruit volunteers and encourage new people to get involved. KENTUCKY
Roger Clark Sr.
After losing his wife in 2003, Roger Clark joined the AARP Mt. Washington Chapter, number 4613, and it changed his life. Volunteering with AARP improved Roger’s health. He whipped his diabetes and melted away 40 pounds. He is a tireless citizen-advocate and often travels (before dawn) to the state capitol for committee hearings, press conferences, or rallies. Roger serves as the Central Kentucky Chapter specialist and is president of Okolona Chapter 3239. His volunteer experience includes National Day of Service projects, supporting families at local community ministries, chapter support and training, state and federal advocacy, and dozens of Divided We Fail “bird dogging” efforts. On two occasions, Roger crossed state lines to deliver the DWF message at stops by presidential hopefuls. LOUISIANA
Margie Dominick
Two years ago, AARP Chapter 4550 president Margie Dominick lost everything in Hurricane Katrina, including her family home and a lifetime of memories. As difficult as the tragedy was, Margie gained strength from it. She has dedicated the last two years to helping people in the community to cope with their grief and loss. Retired from Naval Support Activity management after 40 years of service, Margie is now an Executive Council member for AARP Louisiana. She recently took on the role of district impact-team leader, in which she coordinates the advocacy, community service, and communications of New Orleans volunteers. Volunteers like Margie make things happen. From collecting Divided We Fail pledge cards at the Bayou Classic to coordinating volunteers at the AARP Information Center in New Orleans, Margie is a force of nature that even Hurricane Katrina could not compromise. MAINE
Charlene Thompson
Executive Council member Charlene Thompson has been a dedicated AARP volunteer for more than 10 years. Charlene has coordinated presentations, recruited volunteers, and acted as interim president of AARP Maine. She currently serves as the retired educators’ liaison. She has brought Divided We Fail messages to Retired Educators’ Association units in every county, traveled more than 2,500 miles, and collected more than 800 pledges. When she taught in the Saco School System, Charlene began one of the first programs in the state for gifted and talented students. She was active in local and state teachers’ associations and served on the board of directors for the Maine Education Association for several terms. Following her retirement, she was president of the Maine Education Association-Retired. She now serves on that association’s board of directors and on its executive council. She is also chairwoman of the Legacy Committee.
MARYLAND
Erwin Sekulow Erwin “Erv” Sekulow is currently serving his sixth and final year as the voluntary president of AARP Maryland. Erv guides the state’s planning and budgeting processes and joins the office each year for its annual Day of Service. Erv’s guidance has shaped statewide work on Medicare Part D outreach, the Accessible Homes for Seniors movement, auto 401(k) and auto-IRA initiatives, utilities reform, and health care expansion. Since the launch of Divided We Fail in early 2007, Erv has worked tirelessly to support the effort by collecting pledges, engaging the public, and spreading the message. For the past eight years, he has volunteered with Experience Corps, which mentors Baltimore City public-school students. Erv has led with intelligence, equanimity, and good humor. His long tenure and dedication, coupled with an unflaggingly positive spirit, are an inspiration to all who work with him. MASSACHUSETTS
Muffin Hester
At 87, Muffin Hester continues to contribute to the efforts for which she feels passion. She has made time for various volunteer positions throughout her community. Muffin has served as a Gofer at St. Anne’s Church in Lincoln since 1952; since 1959, she has been on the board for the Church Home Society in Boston. Once a month she serves meals at the Pine Street Inn and Rosie’s Place in Boston. She serves as a substitute driver for “Linc” at the Lincoln COA. However, her passion and dedication is to Emerson Hospital, where she began volunteering in 1966. In her spare time, Muffin enjoys baking chocolate chip cookies. MICHIGAN
Joyce LaFleur
Joyce LaFleur has volunteered with the Tax-Aide Program since 1999 and has served in various positions with the program, including instructor, local coordinator, and district coordinator. As the local coordinator for the Greater Lansing area, she has helped double the number of people receiving services during the last five years. This past tax season, Joyce supervised the preparation of 3,670 tax returns and personally completed hundreds of returns for homebound residents. Joyce works 50 or 60 hours a week during the tax season and continues to work post-tax season to answer questions and solve problems. In addition, Joyce refers people in need to service providers who can help with meal delivery, transportation, and medical and housing issues, to name a few. Her enthusiasm and dedication are contagious among her 31 volunteers. She inspires others with her high levels of energy and devotion. MINNESOTA
Mary Schnell
Mary Schnell is an important member of and leader in her community. As a member of the local police department’s neighborhood watch program, she helps keep her community safe. Also working as a volunteer at the Willmar Community Center, she brings the community together through intergenerational activities. In one of the activities, second-graders visit seniors. Mary serves actively with the Parish Nurse Program at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She helps Meals on Wheels and often visits homebound seniors to bring them cookies and information on AARP. For more than 17 years, Mary has served as volunteer ombudsman for long-term care, and for the past six years, she has served as Secretary of her Chapter. Mary volunteers for AARP’s Driver Safety Program, coordinates and works the Kandiyohi Fair on behalf of AARP, organizes Lobby Day, and advocates on AARP Minnesota’s Grassroots and Elections Action Team. MISSISSIPPI
Gemenie Bowdre
Former high school teacher Gemenie Bowdre is an active member of Southaven Chapter 5371, where she has been instrumental in securing public transportation for DeSoto County. Geemeni, a longtime AARP member, participates in the “Day at the Capitol.” She recently joined in the AARP 50th-anniversary celebration. Gemenie has organized programs on financial planning, direct deposit, nutrition, identity theft, health and safety, and other topics, for AARP Mississippi. She is a member of the Morgan Grove Baptist Church, where she serves as recording and financial secretary, as an adult Sunday school teacher, as a member of the Mother Board, and as a building-fund coordinator. Gemenie is actively involved with the district, state, and National Congress of Education and the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. Inc. MISSOURI
Richard Bossch
Since retiring in 1999, Richard Bossch has spent his days volunteering. He volunteers for the Red Cross, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Agape Food Pantry. He has served as AARP chapter president, legislative chairman, and as a community-service team member. Currently, Richard serves on the AARP Executive Council. He spent two years in the U.S. Army before beginning a career in international sales and administration. He held a variety of positions in this field, working the last 20 years for Sunnen Products Company in St. Louis. When he isn’t volunteering, Richard enjoys golf, gardening, and bowling. MONTANA
Del Lonnquist
Del Lonnquist has been a volunteer for Montana state office since its creation in 2001. He has served on the AARP Executive Council and on the Capital City Task Force through four legislative sessions. In 2005, Del spearheaded the Montana walking program and has since connected with 3,467 people in nearly 90 events across Montana. During the 2007 legislative session, Del testified in hearings and advocated before legislators, and all the while, he kept up with the walking program. He has also been the lead volunteer for Montana’s 50th anniversary and worked with the associate state director for community outreach to select the Andrus Legacy Award winner. Del and his wife, Lois, also bring music to older Montanans, including residents of nursing homes. NEBRASKA
Mary Jane O’Gara
Mary Jane O’Gara spent much of her time as a member of the AARP board of directors from 2000-2006 testifying before the U.S. Congress. As a board member, she also sat on the planning committee of the National Leadership Forum. Mary first volunteered for AARP in 1992 as a VOTE volunteer district coordinator. In 1996, she was appointed to serve as the first AARP Nebraska state president and as a member of the Midwest Region National Legislative Council. She received the Builders Award from AARP Nebraska in 2006 for her multiyear efforts to build AARP’s presence in the state. In addition, Mary has served on the Nebraska Women’s Health Advisory Council and as a board member with the League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha. NEVADA
Marlene Rengert
In her sixth year as AARP Nevada’s state president, Marlene Rengert exemplifies Dr. Andrus’ belief that “to serve, not to be served” should be the aspiration of every American. She successfully led the leadership council and volunteer corps during the launch of Divided We Fail. Simultaneously, Marlene served on AARP’s 50th-anniversary steering committee while continuing her involvement with local AARP Chapter 1189. In addition to her AARP involvement, Marlene is also a member of the Governor’s Commission on Aging and a trustee and board member for a group dedicated to providing non-medical independent-living services for older Nevadans. As an AARP volunteer since 1993, Marlene’s enthusiasm for the AARP mission and positive outlook has never wavered. Her attitude makes her an inspiration to countless AARP volunteers, staff, and community members in Las Vegas and the state at large. NEW HAMPSHIRE
Ollie Lafond
In her 12 years of working with the New Hampshire Driver Safety Program, Olive “Ollie” Lafond has personally educated more than 700 drivers. In the process, she has no doubt prevented countless accidents and saved many lives. In 1996, Ollie saw an ad that changed her life in the AARP magazine, then titled “Modern Maturity.”. It read, “Driver Safety Instructors Needed,” and both Ollie and husband, Robert, signed up. Before his death in 2006, Robert served as the assistant state coordinator for the Driver Safety program. Ollie continues her volunteer work to honor and remember him. For the past two years, she has served as the state coordinator for the Driver Safety Program. However, Ollie is always ready to lend a hand far beyond the confines of Driver Safety. NEW JERSEY
Marilyn Askin
AARP New Jersey’s chief legislative advocate and former state president Marilyn Askin knows a lot about elder law. She has taught seminars in elder law and social welfare legislation at Rutgers Law School for the past 24 years. Marilyn founded and served as chairwoman of the elder-law section of the New Jersey Bar Association and worked for 15 years as director and senior attorney of Essex County’s Senior Citizen Legal Services. In 2002, Marilyn received a U.S. State Department grant to help develop legal clinics at three Russian law schools to provide access to legal services for low-income residents, primarily pensioners, who are at the bottom of the economic ladder. Somehow, Marilyn also found time to serve as cochair of the property-tax transition team and still serves as a governor-appointee to the Health Care Access Study Commission. Marilyn has worked in private elder-law practice since 1994. NEW MEXICO
Leonel Garza
Leonel Garza is a member of the New Mexico Executive Council and chairman of the AARP State Legislative Committee (SLC). As SLC chairman, Leo shepherds New Mexico’s successful state legislative advocacy process. He recruits and trains advocacy volunteers, researches and develops legislative positions and strategies, and supervises daily tracking of legislation and volunteer assignments. Leo’s leadership has been instrumental in AARP’s success in achieving home-loan protection, identity theft, and payday-loan legislation, along with increased funding for Medicaid, low-income energy assistance, and other programs for older members of the community. Leo participates in numerous state task forces and on the local R.S.V.P. advisory council. A key leader in the Divided We Fail effort in New Mexico, Leo has led discussions on health care reform at events throughout the state. NEW YORK
Dr. Alejandro Garcia
Dr. Alejandro Garcia is a recognized leader in policies on aging and issues that affect Hispanic and diverse elderly populations. He has served for four years on—and the last two as the chairman of—the National Policy Council. He will serve for the next two years as the chairman of the NPC nominating committee. Alejandro’s expertise has helped further AARP’s policy platform for issues with specific focus on economic, employment, and poverty issues. A member of AARP New York’s Executive Council since 2005, Alejandro has been an involved and gifted activist. In 2007, he was a key leader in launching the Divided We Fail initiative simultaneously at seven press sites, he helped host a Keep Medicare Fair forum, and he arranged a DWF forum with retired Syracuse University professors. Always a champion for forgotten and underserved populations, Alejandro brings compassion and insight to every issue. NORTH CAROLINA
Jerry Shelby
Jerry Shelby is a catalyst for his community and his state. As AARP chapter president, Jerry helped increase the membership from 18 to 100. His secret — get people to volunteer for community needs. Jerry sets an example by advocating for everything from improving community parks to providing better transportation for the poor and elderly. Jerry serves on the Rowan County Planning Initiative, the Rowan LIFE (Life Improvement for Everyone), the Rowan Council on Aging, and as the Rowan County delegate to the North Carolina Senior Tar-Heel Legislature in Raleigh. He has promoted AARP’s vision of Senior Friendly Livable Communities and Divided We Fail, and has been both a Tax-Aide and Driver Safety volunteer. NORTH DAKOTA
Loretta Birdeno
As a volunteer for Faith in Action, a nonprofit neighbors-helping-neighbors program that allows the elderly to maintain independence, choice, and control in their everyday lives, Loretta Birdeno has enabled 17 elderly residents to continue to live independently. Loretta assists with transportation for their errands and appointments, and with light housekeeping, reading, and cooking. Loretta is also a trained volunteer for the North Dakota Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program, helping Medicare recipients with confusing medical and pharmacy bills. For AARP’s 2007 annual Day of Service project, Loretta supervised 87 volunteers. Earlier this year, Loretta spoke before 230 people about her experience as a volunteer and the need for all people “to serve, not to be served.” As a result, Faith in Action enlisted new volunteers in Valley City. OHIO
Sanford Holmes
Sanford Holmes leads the advocacy volunteer team for AARP Ohio in that state’s third congressional district. Since accepting his volunteer position in 2006, Sanford has reached out to a variety of elected officials and influential groups and organized educational outreach efforts —all to support AARP’s health care and financial security priorities. Sanford also helped lead Divided We Fail efforts at the Ohio State Fair, the NAACP national convention, the Ohio Society of Social Workers statewide convention, the Ohio Retired Teachers Association anniversary celebration, and at dozens of AARP sessions and community events throughout the state. When not otherwise busy, Sanford volunteers at a local thrift shop, with Habitat for Humanity, and on the advisory council for Area Agency on Aging Region Two. OKLAHOMA
Mike McComber
AARP’s Ardmore Chapter President, Mike McComber, doesn’t limit his volunteer work to just AARP. He regularly provides informative programs, helps out at a food bank, and participates in the State Speakers Bureau. He’s on the board of directors for the Big Five Community Services, a program that tackles such projects as weatherization, rural transit, and low-income rental housing. As a member of the Head Start Program, Mike encourages chapter members to assist about 600 4-year-olds by participating in the annual Fish-A-Thon. Mike is also on the Salvation Army Advisory Board and United Commercial Travelers Board, and is a charter member of the Ardmore Commission on Aging, where he is developing two programs for senior citizens. His volunteerism, combined with his untiring work ethic and his cheerful, positive demeanor, is truly an inspiration to others. OREGON
Rita Pinard
As an AARP Tax-Aide District Coordinator, managing 51 volunteers, Rita Pinard has contributed much to her community, including tax preparation for more than 200,000 Oregonians. The additional training and support that she has developed for Tax-Aide volunteers has significantly increased volunteer retention and satisfaction with the program. In addition to her time with the Tax-Aide program, Rita has been involved with the Benton County United Way for eight years, served on the R.S.V.P. advisory board, volunteered as a Girl Scout summer camp director, and worked with the American Heart Association. Not one to be idle for long, both Rita and her husband are park hosts during the summer months at Milo McIver State Park for the Oregon Department of Parks.
PENNSYLVANIA
Barbara A. Bush
An ardent volunteer and exceptional communicator, Barbara A. Bush is deeply committed to positively changing the lives of her fellow citizens. She has recruited and led the largest community team in Pennsylvania and has a unique talent for developing leadership skills in nearly all her volunteers. Barbara has held leadership positions in Tax-Aide and chaired the “Presents for Patients” program, which distributes gifts to more than 1,200 long-term-care residents in surrounding communities. Barbara is an accomplished columnist whose articles for the Pittsburgh Senior News underscore a passion for delivering AARP’s social impact and member value agendas through the print press. Meeting with local, state, and federal legislators, Barbara is a well informed and articulate advocate who exemplifies AARP’s legacy of service. PUERTO RICO
Lydia Rodríguez
Lydia Rodríguez has been an active AARP member since 1987. For the last 16 years, she’s been a member of Chapter 1404, where she has served as chapter president and treasurer. She currently participates in the chapter’s walking group. Time and again, Lydia has demonstrated her commitment to older adults. She’s served as treasurer of both Puerto Nuevo’s Center for Elder People and for Region One within the state’s Office on Aging. Currently, she edits the journal, Echoes of the Center of Elder People of Puerto Nuevo, which earned her an award. Lydia also participates in a project called "E.C.V.E.," for "Enrichment of the Quality of Life for Elder People," and is involved in the S.H.I.P. Medicare Program. RHODE ISLAND
Virginia Tierney
AARP Rhode Island selected Virginia Tierney for her remarkable service and for the impact she’s had and continues to have on the lives of others. A volunteer for her community for many years, Virginia was recruited by AARP to be a member of its national board of directors, class of 2002. Her service and management skills were put to the test when she was elected president of the Cumberland chapter of AARP and doubled the size of its membership in two years. Virginia is still an active board member and continues to engage in AARP goals. SOUTH CAROLINA
Nancy Eaker
Nancy Eaker never takes "no" for an answer. A member of the AARP Spartanburg chapter, Nancy enlists local agencies and partners to help when a project, program, opportunity, or problem arises that the chapter can’t tackle. She collaborates with others to offer programs for veterans, widows, and widowers, and she frequently collaborates with South Carolina Consumer Affairs on seminars concerning advance directives and scams affecting seniors. Nancy coordinates Driver Safety classes. She ensures that residents have mobility, knowledge of and access to home and community-based services, and consumer protections. She even enlisted the Spartanburg Public Safety police officers to facilitate the “We need to talk…” program. Nancy continually goes above and beyond and always finds a way to fill a request on need. She is truly the spirit of volunteerism. SOUTH DAKOTA
Don and Donna Kennedy
You’d be hard-pressed to find an AARP volunteer opportunity that either Don or Donna Kennedy hasn’t already taken on. They are the energy behind volunteerism in AARP South Dakota, spearheading activities such as Day of Service, Lobby Day bus trips, and the development of new chapters. Both Don and Donna have participated in the Grief and Loss program, have been Driver Safety volunteers for more than fifteen years, and are involved in all of AARP’s initiatives. Currently they are active in the Information Center and in their local chapter, where Donna is the social chairwoman. Don served one term as the state RTA president, two terms as the local president, and is a member of the Government Affairs Committee. TENNESSEE
Lou Richardson Jones
Lou Richardson Jones believes that volunteering starts in your own “back yard,” but that’s not where it ends for her. Through the years, her care has expanded from her community and AARP Chapter to her town, her county, East Tennessee, and beyond. Lou’s love and compassion is evident, whether she’s preparing and delivering meals for senior shut-ins, assisting with senior-center activities, or enhancing the community's regard for and care of veterans. Because of her drive, persistence, and grit, she is a lady not to be denied. The Governor and top officers of two counties have recognized her as a main force in obtaining a new state veterans’ home in her region. Lou is deep[y involved in her AARP chapter and holds the amazing record of having recruited 200+ new chapter members. TEXAS
Worth Wharton
Worth Wharton, when not busy with his long-term commitment to serve as an active senior Boy Scout leader, is an AARP advocate "extraordinaire." Currently serving as program chairman for the Southwest Fort Worth AARP chapter, number 4116, he promotes and supports chapter development and activism by creating programs that educate, entertain, illuminate, advocate, and enlighten. As a regional-advocacy volunteer with AARP Texas, Worth has been instrumental to his chapter’s success in collecting more than 1,200 Divided We Fail pledges. He supervised the delivery of more than 17,500 "Keep Medicare Fair" petitions to one of his U.S. Senators. Worth and his volunteers devote hours of personal time participating in forums and in legislative visits at home and at the capitol. His intercession with state legislators has unified chapter members into active participants in and advocates for AARP and the community. UTAH
Phil and Susan Robinson
For the last decade, Phil and Susan Robinson have dedicated hundreds of hours and dollars to children of the Navajo and Hopi nations in the four-corner area of Utah. The couple collaborates with the Arizona–U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots program to ensure that Native American children receive holiday gifts. They also assemble humanitarian kits for each child. This project requires about nine months of preparation and the assistance of hundreds of volunteers. The Robinsons remind everyone that they need a large cadre of volunteers to join them on their trip to remote areas of the state to deliver remembrances to the Navajo and Hopi nations. VERMONT
Ed Koenemann
As the Vermont State Coordinator of the AARP Driver Safety Program for the past four years, Ed Koenemann has helped raise the number of graduates at a time when national numbers have declined. Under Ed’s guidance, the volunteer force for the program has also increased by 17 percent. He has helped recruit new Driver Safety sponsors across the state. He was the recipient of the 2007 Healthy Aging Award presented by Gov. Jim Douglas in recognition of Ed’s long involvement in the "Strong Living" program at the Montpelier Senior Activity Center. Ed has been a member and secretary of the Montpelier Senior Activity Center Advisory Board, an active volunteer for the American Red Cross, and a member and chair of the Montpelier Recreation Advisory Board for six years. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Luz E. Rodriguez
Luz E. Rodriguez’s 27 years of public service are enhanced by her energy, desire to succeed, and unfailing commitment to assist wherever possible. Luz is extremely active with AARP as a spokesperson with the Hispanic outreach initiative, a moderator for the Virgin Islands Spanish radio program, and a Driver Safety instructor. Her many awards and commendations include ambassador for the American Cancer Society’s "Celebration on the Hill" in Washington, D.C., and president of the Virgin Islands Legislature as part of Older Americans Month. VIRGINIA
Elvira Shaw
As a lead advocate for AARP Virginia for 40+ years, Elvira Shaw has recruited and trained most of the state’s advocacy volunteers. Outside of AARP, she serves on countless boards, commissions, and organizations. She has worked for 16 years on the Governor’s Council on Aging and for 15 years as founder and member of the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Justice Board. Named “Citizen Mayor of Colonial Heights,” Elvira’s strong commitment to the 50+ population has earned her a special place in the hearts and minds of state leaders. From governors to local governments, from lobbyists to corporate leaders, everyone—without regard to political persuasion—recognizes Elvira’s place of honor in Virginia. Her name is synonymous with leadership, successful aging, and inspiration. WASHINGTON
Marian Yunghans
A retired Bellingham teacher, Marian Yunghans once taught in Nigeria, Sri Lanka, India, and Germany. She established a school for the deaf in Ibadan, Nigeria. After retiring, Marian served as advisory board president of the Bellingham Senior and Activity Center, wrote a local newspaper column on senior issues, edited the Pacific Northwest Retirement magazine, served as the public information officer for the local fire district, and performed as safety instructor and emergency responder for the Red Cross. In Marian’s "spare" time, she established a community-wide disaster preparedness committee. She also volunteered with AARP as a Driver Safety Instructor, a Washington State communication specialist, and a Washington State Tax-Aide partnership and communication specialist. She is currently the AARP Washington State Tax-Aide Coordinator; in that role, she supervises all Tax-Aide operations in the state. WEST VIRGINIA
Dorsel Cochran
As the silent backbone of the Liberty Lions Club, Dorsel Cochran never stops raising funds to provide eyeglasses for needy families. Making and selling apple butter is one of the largest fundraisers for the Lions Club. With Dorsel donating the produce and scheduling and feeding the cooks, production has increased from 600 to 1,100 quarts. And Dorsel’s selflessness does not end with apple butter. He organizes, buys the supplies, and schedules all the volunteers for the annual Christmas fruit-basket project. He puts others’ needs before his own and once arranged for 15 men to cut enough firewood to heat an ill friend’s home all winter. WISCONSIN
Bill and Nancy Brissee
Bill and Nancy Brissee are true pillars of their community and early members of the Institute for Learning in Retirement (LIR) at Nicolet College. During their 11-year LIR leadership, they organized educational opportunities for retirees and helped expand LIR’s membership from 60 to 300+ members. Bill and Nancy’s extensive involvement with their local hospital has resulted in additional health care scholarships and new services, such as the “Reach Out and Read” program, in which volunteers read to children. Having survived cancer, Nancy regularly volunteers in the cancer center and with the Family Resource Connection. Additionally both Bill and Nancy are involved in their church and serve as Tax-Aide and Driver Safety volunteers. WYOMING
Jim Eggenberger When Jim Eggenberger, a Senior Olympics athlete, volunteered to direct the two-year effort for his town, Sheridan, to host the Wyoming Senior Olympics, he knew no one before him had achieved such a feat without the help of a professional staff. Unfazed, Jim and 300 volunteer recruits hosted clinics throughout the year to train athletes in the games’ events and encouraged others statewide to do the same. As a result, the games Jim organized had record attendance both years. Ever busy, Jim has also held several leadership positions at his local YMCA, helped it raise more than $8 million, and recruited 800+ volunteers. He also served as president of the board overseeing his local library’s renovation. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
2008 Andrus Awards
Legacy of Service AARP's commitment to volunteer service can be traced back to the life and vision of our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. Each year, AARP honors the legacy of Dr. Andrus with the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, our most prestigious and visible volunteer award.2008 Winners of the Andrus Award for Community Service
ALABAMA
Ruth Blacker
AARP Alabama Executive Council member Ruth Blacker is posthumously named Alabama’s 2008 Andrus Award winner. Ruth passed away in 2007 after a brief illness. She served as a district and state coordinator with AARP/VOTE and was a member of the National Legislative Council for six years. During the past two decades, Ruth held volunteer positions with AARP, including Driver Safety instructor. Ruth’s service however, was not limited to AARP. She spent 30 years in the Virginia school system as a teacher and department chair. During that time, she developed a high school English program. After the death of her husband, Ruth joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in Poland, where she taught college students how to teach English. After returning to Alabama, she continued her work with AARP and served as a member of the Friends of the Library Board and as a Court-Appointed Juvenile Advocate. ALASKA
Marie Darlin
Juneau resident Marie Darlin was responsible for creating the AARP Juneau Chapter in 1985. Since that time, she served as its first president and remains one of its most active members. She is a tireless legislative advocate and considered the face of AARP in the legislature. Marie has been a member of the Juneau Capital City Task Force for almost 20 years and the coordinator of the Task Force for 10. She has testified on numerous issues, from senior benefits and identity theft to transportation, senior housing, and long-term care. Additionally, Marie helped form the Alaska Federation of Retired Federal Employees and served as its state president for four years. Marie’s longstanding service to others and her dedication to the values of AARP personify what Ethel Percy Andrus stated as the fundamental mission of AARP: “What we do, we do for all.”
ARIZONA
Pearl Nancarrow
Pearl Nancarrow’s tireless service and dedication to her community, and the impact she has had on the lives of others, has earned her the 2008 Arizona Andrus Award for Community Service. A retired school teacher, Pearl has volunteered for several organizations over the years, taking on leadership roles with such groups as the All-Arizona School Retirees Association, the Copper Center School-Retirees Unit, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, the Lions Club, and the Highway 60/70 Project. Her retirement has allowed Pearl to volunteer at a domestic violence shelter, a county education subcommittee, a Lions club, a garden club, and a sorority. She is a library board member and serves as Unit Secretary for the Copper Center School Retirees (a unit of AASRA). Pearl’s commitment also extends internationally. Through the Globe Lions Club, where she serves as vice president, Pearl collects eyeglasses and medical equipment for Arizona and Mexico. ARKANSAS
H.C. “Hank” Klein
As the founder and president of Arkansans Against Abusive Payday Lending, H. C. "Hank" Klein is dedicated to stopping the harmful practices of predatory lenders. He is also a leadership volunteer for predatory lending for AARP Arkansas. Hank volunteers as a docent at the Clinton Presidential Center and at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock. He has spent numerous hours traveling the state with consumer-protection forums in which he has discussed payday lending and investment fraud. During the past 38 years, he has held management positions in credit unions, he retired as the president and chief executive officer of the Arkansas Federal Credit Union (serving the U.S. Air Force in Arkansas and Florida). Hank has been involved in his local community as a past board member of the Better Business Bureau of Arkansas and through his work with the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and the Jacksonville Museum of Military History. CALIFORNIA
Sam Thomas
Sam Thomas has dedicated his life to giving back to others. Through his leadership as the current regional-volunteer leader for AARP in Los Angeles County, Sam has greatly strengthened the volunteer base. He has served on numerous commissions and boards advocating on behalf of families and individuals, including the City of Pasadena Senior Commission, the Southern California Rehabilitation Services Board, the Pasadena City College Oversight Board, and the California State Department of Developmental Disabilities. Sam believes that volunteering is a wonderful and fulfilling way to give back to the community; volunteering gives people purpose and meaning outside of their everyday responsibilities.
COLORADO
Fay Strauss Fay Strauss has served older Coloradans since the early 1980s. As state coordinator for the Citizen’s Housing Information Service for Seniors program, in her first volunteer role, she assisted seniors in finding appropriate and affordable housing. Fay then became area coordinator for Health Advocacy Services, focusing her efforts on breast cancer outreach. As the state coordinator for AARP’s Connections for Independent Living program, she traveled the state spreading the word on functional, safe homes. Her multifaceted experience landed invitations to serve on the boards of LARASA, Adult Care Management, Senior Companions, TRIAD, and the Colorado Senior Lobby. Her last AARP role was that of state coordinator for BenefitsCheckUp, a program by the National Council on Aging designed to connect lower-income individuals with public benefits. CONNECTICUT
Quincy Abbot
As the father of a daughter with intellectual disabilities, Quincy Abbot has dedicated his life to advocacy for people with disabilities. He has worked on many boards and committees geared toward supporting people with disabilities. He served as president and interim executive director of The Arc of the United States and as chairman of the Governor’s Council on Mental Retardation. Quincy was the founding president of both the Corporation for Independent Living and the Corporation for Supported Employment. He was also the co-chairman of the Steering Committee for Connect-Ability, which seeks to increase employment opportunities for older adults and people with disabilities in Connecticut. In addition, he participated in the development of Connecticut’s Long-Term Care Plan and the recently completed Long-Term-Care Needs Assessment, which the AARP Public Policy Institute recognized for providing persons with the right to live in the least restrictive setting of their choice.
DELAWARE
Littleton Mitchell One of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, NAACP Delaware Chapter President Littleton Mitchell began his advocacy at age 13, when he joined the NAACP. Mitchell led the Delaware state branches of the NAACP as president for more than 30 years. In that position, he helped secure fair housing, equal access to public accommodations, and equal education and employment opportunities for Delaware’s African American community. With his wife Jane, he led efforts to desegregate Delaware’s hospitals. In 1993, the University of Delaware awarded Mitchell its Medal of Merit for community service. He also received the Delaware Bar Association’s Liberty Bell Award in 2004 and served as a presidential appointee representing Delaware for the Brown v. Board of Education 50th Anniversary Commission. WASHINGTON, D.C.
Martin Kohn
After a 30-year career in economics, Martin Kohn began volunteering with the AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly (LCE), which provides free legal services to older, low-income residents of the District. In six years at LCE, Martin has handled more than 1,000 cases. He not only provides critical research for LCE attorneys, but he also negotiates on behalf of clients on matters concerning debt collection, identity theft, access to public benefits, housing, landlord-tenant disputes, and more. He is dogged in his assistance to clients and, in the words of his supervisor, Martin rarely takes “no” for an answer. He is LCE’s go-to person for difficult cases that require special attention to detail. He personifies the motto of AARP’s founder, Ethel Percy Andrus: “to serve and not be served.” FLORIDA
Terri Koopman
Florida regional team leader Terri Koopman has volunteered tirelessly throughout the state. For 12 years, she served as a Tax-Aide counselor, volunteer instructor, and coordinator in Florida's Tax-Aide District 3. As the regional team leader, Terri directs advocacy activities in a congressional district in southwest Florida, trains new advocates, and promotes AARP positions on major issues. Terri developed the advocacy-training curriculum currently used in Florida and in several other states. She also joined Florida’s State Legislative Council. She finds time to volunteer at a free clinic that provides primary care for the uninsured and in her church. As a member of the Lions Club, she provides vision screening in Highland County schools. GEORGIA
Sally Johnston
Sally Johnston possesses a distinguished record of service in her community and with AARP. She is a longtime member of the AARP Griffin chapter and is a Tax-Aide volunteer. She is also a counselor for five Tax-Aide sites. In addition, Sally manages 50 other counselors who serve 16 sites throughout the local Tax-Aide district. With her guidance last year, AARP Tax-Aide provided assistance at more than 128 sites and helped more than 64,000 Georgians file returns. Sally is also very active in her community, where she volunteers for the Salvation Army and her church. She also serves as a board member of the McIntosh Trail Council on Aging, which assists senior adults in several counties. A retired teacher, Sally is also a member of the board of directors of the Georgia Retired Educators Foundation. The foundation awards 10 scholarships annually to deserving teachers pursuing further education. HAWAII
Rodlyn Brown
The Chapter 4936 President and a Tax-Aide volunteer, Rodlyn Brown has been an active member of AARP in Leeward, Oahu, for the past seven years. During that time, she has been busy advocating for caregiving, pedestrian safety, and livable-community issues. Rodlyn was instrumental in organizing the AARP-sponsored Grandparents Raising Grandchildren conference in 2006. She has also served as a catalyst for the Waianae Chapter’s work with coalition partners to develop a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly path from Nanakuli to Ka‘ena Point. She is an energetic and enthusiastic advocate who inspires others to speak up for the good of their communities. IDAHO
Lois Hanson
Lois Hanson is a dedicated supporter of AARP’s social-impact goals. For the past four years, she has volunteered countless hours as the lead office volunteer, or manager, of the state office of AARP Idaho. In that role, she engages in extensive outreach projects, trains and supervises volunteers, organizes large mailings, and anticipates needs within the office. Lois staffs AARP booths with a smile, recruits new members and volunteers, and shares AARP publications with wide audiences. She travels the state educating people about Medicare Part D, Divided We Fail, healthy behaviors, and scam and fraud prevention. Her efforts have empowered people to improve their lives. ILLINOIS
Mary Patton
As a member of the State Legislative Committee, Executive Council member Mary Patton has spent the last 10 years advocating for and testifying on behalf of AARP before the General Assembly. For the past four years, Mary has served as an AARP representative on the Older-Adult Services Advisory Committee. Mary has extensive knowledge of issues affecting older adults. She brings to AARP a wide range of experience serving on several state committees, including the Human Services Transportation-Plan Steering Committee, the Attorney General’s Advisory Council on Older Citizens Issues, the Senior Advisory Committee for Illinois State Rep. Mike Smith, the Community Care Program Advisory Committee, and the Illinois Coalition on Aging. INDIANA
Ben and Norma Leslie
Each week during the legislative session, AARP legislative team members Ben and Norma Leslie drive a total of six hours to and from Indianapolis to volunteer at the statehouse. The couple advocates for legislation to enhance their lives and the lives of all Hoosiers. Ben and Norma are also AARP community advocate leaders; they support AARP with their local elected officials. Ben and Norma lead by example, contributing significantly to AARP and such community organizations as their church and the Lions Club. The couple also mentors and inspires people around them to serve. Ben and Norma have been very active with AARP’s Divided We Fail initiative. They have collected nearly 800 signatures (and counting) in addition to working with and encouraging new Divided We Fail volunteers. IOWA
Arthur Gratias
Arthur Gratias has dedicated much of his life to service. One example of his volunteerism is his recent rescue of the Mason City Senior Activity Center. When the center was in jeopardy, Arthur stepped in and led efforts to raise funds for and to guide the center through a major renovation. Art met daily with businesses and individual donors to request financial contributions for a new $60,000 roof, sidewalks, a paved parking lot, tables and chairs for the center’s dance hall, a large-screen TV, and three new computers with printers and desks. He also raised money to redecorate the main building. Through Art’s efforts, hundreds of older people in the area, and the agencies serving them, have access to excellent facilities. The center remains open and available to all for recreation, exercise, meals, and fellowship. Community activities, including AARP chapter meetings and the AARP Tax-Aide and Driver Safety programs, also use the center and benefit from Art’s hard work. KANSAS
Gerald and Dianna Schmitt
Through their work as coleaders of AARP’s Divided We Fail initiative in Kansas, Gerald and Dianna Schmitt have traveled the state spreading the message about health care and financial security. They have encouraged Kansans to tell their stories and to sign pledge cards. In addition to appearing at numerous presentations to a wide variety of groups and civic organizations, Gerald and Dianna help plan the annual AARP Wichita Summit and serve as bus captains for the annual AARP Rally Day at the Capitol. Gerald and Dianna also recruit advocates for AARP issues and train them on how to effectively work with the state legislature. Gerald and Dianna also collaborate to ensure that AARP issues are in the forefront; they have collected signed DWF pledges from the Kansas congressional delegation. All along the way, they recruit volunteers and encourage new people to get involved. KENTUCKY
Roger Clark Sr.
After losing his wife in 2003, Roger Clark joined the AARP Mt. Washington Chapter, number 4613, and it changed his life. Volunteering with AARP improved Roger’s health. He whipped his diabetes and melted away 40 pounds. He is a tireless citizen-advocate and often travels (before dawn) to the state capitol for committee hearings, press conferences, or rallies. Roger serves as the Central Kentucky Chapter specialist and is president of Okolona Chapter 3239. His volunteer experience includes National Day of Service projects, supporting families at local community ministries, chapter support and training, state and federal advocacy, and dozens of Divided We Fail “bird dogging” efforts. On two occasions, Roger crossed state lines to deliver the DWF message at stops by presidential hopefuls. LOUISIANA
Margie Dominick
Two years ago, AARP Chapter 4550 president Margie Dominick lost everything in Hurricane Katrina, including her family home and a lifetime of memories. As difficult as the tragedy was, Margie gained strength from it. She has dedicated the last two years to helping people in the community to cope with their grief and loss. Retired from Naval Support Activity management after 40 years of service, Margie is now an Executive Council member for AARP Louisiana. She recently took on the role of district impact-team leader, in which she coordinates the advocacy, community service, and communications of New Orleans volunteers. Volunteers like Margie make things happen. From collecting Divided We Fail pledge cards at the Bayou Classic to coordinating volunteers at the AARP Information Center in New Orleans, Margie is a force of nature that even Hurricane Katrina could not compromise. MAINE
Charlene Thompson
Executive Council member Charlene Thompson has been a dedicated AARP volunteer for more than 10 years. Charlene has coordinated presentations, recruited volunteers, and acted as interim president of AARP Maine. She currently serves as the retired educators’ liaison. She has brought Divided We Fail messages to Retired Educators’ Association units in every county, traveled more than 2,500 miles, and collected more than 800 pledges. When she taught in the Saco School System, Charlene began one of the first programs in the state for gifted and talented students. She was active in local and state teachers’ associations and served on the board of directors for the Maine Education Association for several terms. Following her retirement, she was president of the Maine Education Association-Retired. She now serves on that association’s board of directors and on its executive council. She is also chairwoman of the Legacy Committee.
MARYLAND
Erwin Sekulow Erwin “Erv” Sekulow is currently serving his sixth and final year as the voluntary president of AARP Maryland. Erv guides the state’s planning and budgeting processes and joins the office each year for its annual Day of Service. Erv’s guidance has shaped statewide work on Medicare Part D outreach, the Accessible Homes for Seniors movement, auto 401(k) and auto-IRA initiatives, utilities reform, and health care expansion. Since the launch of Divided We Fail in early 2007, Erv has worked tirelessly to support the effort by collecting pledges, engaging the public, and spreading the message. For the past eight years, he has volunteered with Experience Corps, which mentors Baltimore City public-school students. Erv has led with intelligence, equanimity, and good humor. His long tenure and dedication, coupled with an unflaggingly positive spirit, are an inspiration to all who work with him. MASSACHUSETTS
Muffin Hester
At 87, Muffin Hester continues to contribute to the efforts for which she feels passion. She has made time for various volunteer positions throughout her community. Muffin has served as a Gofer at St. Anne’s Church in Lincoln since 1952; since 1959, she has been on the board for the Church Home Society in Boston. Once a month she serves meals at the Pine Street Inn and Rosie’s Place in Boston. She serves as a substitute driver for “Linc” at the Lincoln COA. However, her passion and dedication is to Emerson Hospital, where she began volunteering in 1966. In her spare time, Muffin enjoys baking chocolate chip cookies. MICHIGAN
Joyce LaFleur
Joyce LaFleur has volunteered with the Tax-Aide Program since 1999 and has served in various positions with the program, including instructor, local coordinator, and district coordinator. As the local coordinator for the Greater Lansing area, she has helped double the number of people receiving services during the last five years. This past tax season, Joyce supervised the preparation of 3,670 tax returns and personally completed hundreds of returns for homebound residents. Joyce works 50 or 60 hours a week during the tax season and continues to work post-tax season to answer questions and solve problems. In addition, Joyce refers people in need to service providers who can help with meal delivery, transportation, and medical and housing issues, to name a few. Her enthusiasm and dedication are contagious among her 31 volunteers. She inspires others with her high levels of energy and devotion. MINNESOTA
Mary Schnell
Mary Schnell is an important member of and leader in her community. As a member of the local police department’s neighborhood watch program, she helps keep her community safe. Also working as a volunteer at the Willmar Community Center, she brings the community together through intergenerational activities. In one of the activities, second-graders visit seniors. Mary serves actively with the Parish Nurse Program at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She helps Meals on Wheels and often visits homebound seniors to bring them cookies and information on AARP. For more than 17 years, Mary has served as volunteer ombudsman for long-term care, and for the past six years, she has served as Secretary of her Chapter. Mary volunteers for AARP’s Driver Safety Program, coordinates and works the Kandiyohi Fair on behalf of AARP, organizes Lobby Day, and advocates on AARP Minnesota’s Grassroots and Elections Action Team. MISSISSIPPI
Gemenie Bowdre
Former high school teacher Gemenie Bowdre is an active member of Southaven Chapter 5371, where she has been instrumental in securing public transportation for DeSoto County. Geemeni, a longtime AARP member, participates in the “Day at the Capitol.” She recently joined in the AARP 50th-anniversary celebration. Gemenie has organized programs on financial planning, direct deposit, nutrition, identity theft, health and safety, and other topics, for AARP Mississippi. She is a member of the Morgan Grove Baptist Church, where she serves as recording and financial secretary, as an adult Sunday school teacher, as a member of the Mother Board, and as a building-fund coordinator. Gemenie is actively involved with the district, state, and National Congress of Education and the National Baptist Convention, U.S.A. Inc. MISSOURI
Richard Bossch
Since retiring in 1999, Richard Bossch has spent his days volunteering. He volunteers for the Red Cross, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Agape Food Pantry. He has served as AARP chapter president, legislative chairman, and as a community-service team member. Currently, Richard serves on the AARP Executive Council. He spent two years in the U.S. Army before beginning a career in international sales and administration. He held a variety of positions in this field, working the last 20 years for Sunnen Products Company in St. Louis. When he isn’t volunteering, Richard enjoys golf, gardening, and bowling. MONTANA
Del Lonnquist
Del Lonnquist has been a volunteer for Montana state office since its creation in 2001. He has served on the AARP Executive Council and on the Capital City Task Force through four legislative sessions. In 2005, Del spearheaded the Montana walking program and has since connected with 3,467 people in nearly 90 events across Montana. During the 2007 legislative session, Del testified in hearings and advocated before legislators, and all the while, he kept up with the walking program. He has also been the lead volunteer for Montana’s 50th anniversary and worked with the associate state director for community outreach to select the Andrus Legacy Award winner. Del and his wife, Lois, also bring music to older Montanans, including residents of nursing homes. NEBRASKA
Mary Jane O’Gara
Mary Jane O’Gara spent much of her time as a member of the AARP board of directors from 2000-2006 testifying before the U.S. Congress. As a board member, she also sat on the planning committee of the National Leadership Forum. Mary first volunteered for AARP in 1992 as a VOTE volunteer district coordinator. In 1996, she was appointed to serve as the first AARP Nebraska state president and as a member of the Midwest Region National Legislative Council. She received the Builders Award from AARP Nebraska in 2006 for her multiyear efforts to build AARP’s presence in the state. In addition, Mary has served on the Nebraska Women’s Health Advisory Council and as a board member with the League of Women Voters of Greater Omaha. NEVADA
Marlene Rengert
In her sixth year as AARP Nevada’s state president, Marlene Rengert exemplifies Dr. Andrus’ belief that “to serve, not to be served” should be the aspiration of every American. She successfully led the leadership council and volunteer corps during the launch of Divided We Fail. Simultaneously, Marlene served on AARP’s 50th-anniversary steering committee while continuing her involvement with local AARP Chapter 1189. In addition to her AARP involvement, Marlene is also a member of the Governor’s Commission on Aging and a trustee and board member for a group dedicated to providing non-medical independent-living services for older Nevadans. As an AARP volunteer since 1993, Marlene’s enthusiasm for the AARP mission and positive outlook has never wavered. Her attitude makes her an inspiration to countless AARP volunteers, staff, and community members in Las Vegas and the state at large. NEW HAMPSHIRE
Ollie Lafond
In her 12 years of working with the New Hampshire Driver Safety Program, Olive “Ollie” Lafond has personally educated more than 700 drivers. In the process, she has no doubt prevented countless accidents and saved many lives. In 1996, Ollie saw an ad that changed her life in the AARP magazine, then titled “Modern Maturity.”. It read, “Driver Safety Instructors Needed,” and both Ollie and husband, Robert, signed up. Before his death in 2006, Robert served as the assistant state coordinator for the Driver Safety program. Ollie continues her volunteer work to honor and remember him. For the past two years, she has served as the state coordinator for the Driver Safety Program. However, Ollie is always ready to lend a hand far beyond the confines of Driver Safety. NEW JERSEY
Marilyn Askin
AARP New Jersey’s chief legislative advocate and former state president Marilyn Askin knows a lot about elder law. She has taught seminars in elder law and social welfare legislation at Rutgers Law School for the past 24 years. Marilyn founded and served as chairwoman of the elder-law section of the New Jersey Bar Association and worked for 15 years as director and senior attorney of Essex County’s Senior Citizen Legal Services. In 2002, Marilyn received a U.S. State Department grant to help develop legal clinics at three Russian law schools to provide access to legal services for low-income residents, primarily pensioners, who are at the bottom of the economic ladder. Somehow, Marilyn also found time to serve as cochair of the property-tax transition team and still serves as a governor-appointee to the Health Care Access Study Commission. Marilyn has worked in private elder-law practice since 1994. NEW MEXICO
Leonel Garza
Leonel Garza is a member of the New Mexico Executive Council and chairman of the AARP State Legislative Committee (SLC). As SLC chairman, Leo shepherds New Mexico’s successful state legislative advocacy process. He recruits and trains advocacy volunteers, researches and develops legislative positions and strategies, and supervises daily tracking of legislation and volunteer assignments. Leo’s leadership has been instrumental in AARP’s success in achieving home-loan protection, identity theft, and payday-loan legislation, along with increased funding for Medicaid, low-income energy assistance, and other programs for older members of the community. Leo participates in numerous state task forces and on the local R.S.V.P. advisory council. A key leader in the Divided We Fail effort in New Mexico, Leo has led discussions on health care reform at events throughout the state. NEW YORK
Dr. Alejandro Garcia
Dr. Alejandro Garcia is a recognized leader in policies on aging and issues that affect Hispanic and diverse elderly populations. He has served for four years on—and the last two as the chairman of—the National Policy Council. He will serve for the next two years as the chairman of the NPC nominating committee. Alejandro’s expertise has helped further AARP’s policy platform for issues with specific focus on economic, employment, and poverty issues. A member of AARP New York’s Executive Council since 2005, Alejandro has been an involved and gifted activist. In 2007, he was a key leader in launching the Divided We Fail initiative simultaneously at seven press sites, he helped host a Keep Medicare Fair forum, and he arranged a DWF forum with retired Syracuse University professors. Always a champion for forgotten and underserved populations, Alejandro brings compassion and insight to every issue. NORTH CAROLINA
Jerry Shelby
Jerry Shelby is a catalyst for his community and his state. As AARP chapter president, Jerry helped increase the membership from 18 to 100. His secret — get people to volunteer for community needs. Jerry sets an example by advocating for everything from improving community parks to providing better transportation for the poor and elderly. Jerry serves on the Rowan County Planning Initiative, the Rowan LIFE (Life Improvement for Everyone), the Rowan Council on Aging, and as the Rowan County delegate to the North Carolina Senior Tar-Heel Legislature in Raleigh. He has promoted AARP’s vision of Senior Friendly Livable Communities and Divided We Fail, and has been both a Tax-Aide and Driver Safety volunteer. NORTH DAKOTA
Loretta Birdeno
As a volunteer for Faith in Action, a nonprofit neighbors-helping-neighbors program that allows the elderly to maintain independence, choice, and control in their everyday lives, Loretta Birdeno has enabled 17 elderly residents to continue to live independently. Loretta assists with transportation for their errands and appointments, and with light housekeeping, reading, and cooking. Loretta is also a trained volunteer for the North Dakota Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program, helping Medicare recipients with confusing medical and pharmacy bills. For AARP’s 2007 annual Day of Service project, Loretta supervised 87 volunteers. Earlier this year, Loretta spoke before 230 people about her experience as a volunteer and the need for all people “to serve, not to be served.” As a result, Faith in Action enlisted new volunteers in Valley City. OHIO
Sanford Holmes
Sanford Holmes leads the advocacy volunteer team for AARP Ohio in that state’s third congressional district. Since accepting his volunteer position in 2006, Sanford has reached out to a variety of elected officials and influential groups and organized educational outreach efforts —all to support AARP’s health care and financial security priorities. Sanford also helped lead Divided We Fail efforts at the Ohio State Fair, the NAACP national convention, the Ohio Society of Social Workers statewide convention, the Ohio Retired Teachers Association anniversary celebration, and at dozens of AARP sessions and community events throughout the state. When not otherwise busy, Sanford volunteers at a local thrift shop, with Habitat for Humanity, and on the advisory council for Area Agency on Aging Region Two. OKLAHOMA
Mike McComber
AARP’s Ardmore Chapter President, Mike McComber, doesn’t limit his volunteer work to just AARP. He regularly provides informative programs, helps out at a food bank, and participates in the State Speakers Bureau. He’s on the board of directors for the Big Five Community Services, a program that tackles such projects as weatherization, rural transit, and low-income rental housing. As a member of the Head Start Program, Mike encourages chapter members to assist about 600 4-year-olds by participating in the annual Fish-A-Thon. Mike is also on the Salvation Army Advisory Board and United Commercial Travelers Board, and is a charter member of the Ardmore Commission on Aging, where he is developing two programs for senior citizens. His volunteerism, combined with his untiring work ethic and his cheerful, positive demeanor, is truly an inspiration to others. OREGON
Rita Pinard
As an AARP Tax-Aide District Coordinator, managing 51 volunteers, Rita Pinard has contributed much to her community, including tax preparation for more than 200,000 Oregonians. The additional training and support that she has developed for Tax-Aide volunteers has significantly increased volunteer retention and satisfaction with the program. In addition to her time with the Tax-Aide program, Rita has been involved with the Benton County United Way for eight years, served on the R.S.V.P. advisory board, volunteered as a Girl Scout summer camp director, and worked with the American Heart Association. Not one to be idle for long, both Rita and her husband are park hosts during the summer months at Milo McIver State Park for the Oregon Department of Parks.
PENNSYLVANIA
Barbara A. Bush
An ardent volunteer and exceptional communicator, Barbara A. Bush is deeply committed to positively changing the lives of her fellow citizens. She has recruited and led the largest community team in Pennsylvania and has a unique talent for developing leadership skills in nearly all her volunteers. Barbara has held leadership positions in Tax-Aide and chaired the “Presents for Patients” program, which distributes gifts to more than 1,200 long-term-care residents in surrounding communities. Barbara is an accomplished columnist whose articles for the Pittsburgh Senior News underscore a passion for delivering AARP’s social impact and member value agendas through the print press. Meeting with local, state, and federal legislators, Barbara is a well informed and articulate advocate who exemplifies AARP’s legacy of service. PUERTO RICO
Lydia Rodríguez
Lydia Rodríguez has been an active AARP member since 1987. For the last 16 years, she’s been a member of Chapter 1404, where she has served as chapter president and treasurer. She currently participates in the chapter’s walking group. Time and again, Lydia has demonstrated her commitment to older adults. She’s served as treasurer of both Puerto Nuevo’s Center for Elder People and for Region One within the state’s Office on Aging. Currently, she edits the journal, Echoes of the Center of Elder People of Puerto Nuevo, which earned her an award. Lydia also participates in a project called "E.C.V.E.," for "Enrichment of the Quality of Life for Elder People," and is involved in the S.H.I.P. Medicare Program. RHODE ISLAND
Virginia Tierney
AARP Rhode Island selected Virginia Tierney for her remarkable service and for the impact she’s had and continues to have on the lives of others. A volunteer for her community for many years, Virginia was recruited by AARP to be a member of its national board of directors, class of 2002. Her service and management skills were put to the test when she was elected president of the Cumberland chapter of AARP and doubled the size of its membership in two years. Virginia is still an active board member and continues to engage in AARP goals. SOUTH CAROLINA
Nancy Eaker
Nancy Eaker never takes "no" for an answer. A member of the AARP Spartanburg chapter, Nancy enlists local agencies and partners to help when a project, program, opportunity, or problem arises that the chapter can’t tackle. She collaborates with others to offer programs for veterans, widows, and widowers, and she frequently collaborates with South Carolina Consumer Affairs on seminars concerning advance directives and scams affecting seniors. Nancy coordinates Driver Safety classes. She ensures that residents have mobility, knowledge of and access to home and community-based services, and consumer protections. She even enlisted the Spartanburg Public Safety police officers to facilitate the “We need to talk…” program. Nancy continually goes above and beyond and always finds a way to fill a request on need. She is truly the spirit of volunteerism. SOUTH DAKOTA
Don and Donna Kennedy
You’d be hard-pressed to find an AARP volunteer opportunity that either Don or Donna Kennedy hasn’t already taken on. They are the energy behind volunteerism in AARP South Dakota, spearheading activities such as Day of Service, Lobby Day bus trips, and the development of new chapters. Both Don and Donna have participated in the Grief and Loss program, have been Driver Safety volunteers for more than fifteen years, and are involved in all of AARP’s initiatives. Currently they are active in the Information Center and in their local chapter, where Donna is the social chairwoman. Don served one term as the state RTA president, two terms as the local president, and is a member of the Government Affairs Committee. TENNESSEE
Lou Richardson Jones
Lou Richardson Jones believes that volunteering starts in your own “back yard,” but that’s not where it ends for her. Through the years, her care has expanded from her community and AARP Chapter to her town, her county, East Tennessee, and beyond. Lou’s love and compassion is evident, whether she’s preparing and delivering meals for senior shut-ins, assisting with senior-center activities, or enhancing the community's regard for and care of veterans. Because of her drive, persistence, and grit, she is a lady not to be denied. The Governor and top officers of two counties have recognized her as a main force in obtaining a new state veterans’ home in her region. Lou is deep[y involved in her AARP chapter and holds the amazing record of having recruited 200+ new chapter members. TEXAS
Worth Wharton
Worth Wharton, when not busy with his long-term commitment to serve as an active senior Boy Scout leader, is an AARP advocate "extraordinaire." Currently serving as program chairman for the Southwest Fort Worth AARP chapter, number 4116, he promotes and supports chapter development and activism by creating programs that educate, entertain, illuminate, advocate, and enlighten. As a regional-advocacy volunteer with AARP Texas, Worth has been instrumental to his chapter’s success in collecting more than 1,200 Divided We Fail pledges. He supervised the delivery of more than 17,500 "Keep Medicare Fair" petitions to one of his U.S. Senators. Worth and his volunteers devote hours of personal time participating in forums and in legislative visits at home and at the capitol. His intercession with state legislators has unified chapter members into active participants in and advocates for AARP and the community. UTAH
Phil and Susan Robinson
For the last decade, Phil and Susan Robinson have dedicated hundreds of hours and dollars to children of the Navajo and Hopi nations in the four-corner area of Utah. The couple collaborates with the Arizona–U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots program to ensure that Native American children receive holiday gifts. They also assemble humanitarian kits for each child. This project requires about nine months of preparation and the assistance of hundreds of volunteers. The Robinsons remind everyone that they need a large cadre of volunteers to join them on their trip to remote areas of the state to deliver remembrances to the Navajo and Hopi nations. VERMONT
Ed Koenemann
As the Vermont State Coordinator of the AARP Driver Safety Program for the past four years, Ed Koenemann has helped raise the number of graduates at a time when national numbers have declined. Under Ed’s guidance, the volunteer force for the program has also increased by 17 percent. He has helped recruit new Driver Safety sponsors across the state. He was the recipient of the 2007 Healthy Aging Award presented by Gov. Jim Douglas in recognition of Ed’s long involvement in the "Strong Living" program at the Montpelier Senior Activity Center. Ed has been a member and secretary of the Montpelier Senior Activity Center Advisory Board, an active volunteer for the American Red Cross, and a member and chair of the Montpelier Recreation Advisory Board for six years. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Luz E. Rodriguez
Luz E. Rodriguez’s 27 years of public service are enhanced by her energy, desire to succeed, and unfailing commitment to assist wherever possible. Luz is extremely active with AARP as a spokesperson with the Hispanic outreach initiative, a moderator for the Virgin Islands Spanish radio program, and a Driver Safety instructor. Her many awards and commendations include ambassador for the American Cancer Society’s "Celebration on the Hill" in Washington, D.C., and president of the Virgin Islands Legislature as part of Older Americans Month. VIRGINIA
Elvira Shaw
As a lead advocate for AARP Virginia for 40+ years, Elvira Shaw has recruited and trained most of the state’s advocacy volunteers. Outside of AARP, she serves on countless boards, commissions, and organizations. She has worked for 16 years on the Governor’s Council on Aging and for 15 years as founder and member of the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Justice Board. Named “Citizen Mayor of Colonial Heights,” Elvira’s strong commitment to the 50+ population has earned her a special place in the hearts and minds of state leaders. From governors to local governments, from lobbyists to corporate leaders, everyone—without regard to political persuasion—recognizes Elvira’s place of honor in Virginia. Her name is synonymous with leadership, successful aging, and inspiration. WASHINGTON
Marian Yunghans
A retired Bellingham teacher, Marian Yunghans once taught in Nigeria, Sri Lanka, India, and Germany. She established a school for the deaf in Ibadan, Nigeria. After retiring, Marian served as advisory board president of the Bellingham Senior and Activity Center, wrote a local newspaper column on senior issues, edited the Pacific Northwest Retirement magazine, served as the public information officer for the local fire district, and performed as safety instructor and emergency responder for the Red Cross. In Marian’s "spare" time, she established a community-wide disaster preparedness committee. She also volunteered with AARP as a Driver Safety Instructor, a Washington State communication specialist, and a Washington State Tax-Aide partnership and communication specialist. She is currently the AARP Washington State Tax-Aide Coordinator; in that role, she supervises all Tax-Aide operations in the state. WEST VIRGINIA
Dorsel Cochran
As the silent backbone of the Liberty Lions Club, Dorsel Cochran never stops raising funds to provide eyeglasses for needy families. Making and selling apple butter is one of the largest fundraisers for the Lions Club. With Dorsel donating the produce and scheduling and feeding the cooks, production has increased from 600 to 1,100 quarts. And Dorsel’s selflessness does not end with apple butter. He organizes, buys the supplies, and schedules all the volunteers for the annual Christmas fruit-basket project. He puts others’ needs before his own and once arranged for 15 men to cut enough firewood to heat an ill friend’s home all winter. WISCONSIN
Bill and Nancy Brissee
Bill and Nancy Brissee are true pillars of their community and early members of the Institute for Learning in Retirement (LIR) at Nicolet College. During their 11-year LIR leadership, they organized educational opportunities for retirees and helped expand LIR’s membership from 60 to 300+ members. Bill and Nancy’s extensive involvement with their local hospital has resulted in additional health care scholarships and new services, such as the “Reach Out and Read” program, in which volunteers read to children. Having survived cancer, Nancy regularly volunteers in the cancer center and with the Family Resource Connection. Additionally both Bill and Nancy are involved in their church and serve as Tax-Aide and Driver Safety volunteers. WYOMING
Jim Eggenberger When Jim Eggenberger, a Senior Olympics athlete, volunteered to direct the two-year effort for his town, Sheridan, to host the Wyoming Senior Olympics, he knew no one before him had achieved such a feat without the help of a professional staff. Unfazed, Jim and 300 volunteer recruits hosted clinics throughout the year to train athletes in the games’ events and encouraged others statewide to do the same. As a result, the games Jim organized had record attendance both years. Ever busy, Jim has also held several leadership positions at his local YMCA, helped it raise more than $8 million, and recruited 800+ volunteers. He also served as president of the board overseeing his local library’s renovation. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures