Alabama Rev. Lynwood Hen

exemplifying dedicationand giving back to the his assistance. He creaMobile WPS and recentthe AARP National Grieexample of AARP volun Alaska Connie Conard

for people of all ages. example is the best meothers, and Conard hascommunity service. A fa strong role model forshining example of whamember and she continliving a full life. “Connsaid. “Her generous waresidents of all ages. C‘To Serve, Not To Be S

2003 ANDRUS AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE RECIPIENTS

Arizona

derson Rita Rothstein Rev. Henderson lost his wife and sought guidance and support early in his bereavement. While working through that difficult period in his life, he learned and grew. His own experiences, as well as the knowledge gained during his ministry and from Widowed Persons Services (WPS), have resulted in Rev. Henderson dedicating hundreds of hours promoting AARP’s work in the community. He is persistent and encouraging. He leads by doing while

to the work of AARP Grief and Loss community and the people who need ted and maintains a website for the ly served as a telephone specialist on f and Loss Support Line. He is a true teerism.

AARP Alaska selected Connie Conard for her remarkable service and for the impact she has had on the lives of others in Skagway. Her nominator, Jan Marie Tronrud, president of Skagway’s Chamber of Commerce, said Connie has been an active volunteer in virtually every capacity in Skagway. Connie has been the driving force behind the Women’s Bowling League, which has improved the quality of life

Ms. Tronrud maintains that leading by chanism for impacting or inspiring set a stellar example when it comes to ormer teacher, Conard continues to be the residents of Skagway. She is a t it means to be an active community ues to demonstrate the potential of

ie never ceases to amaze me,” Tronrud ys inspire and energize Skagway onnie Conard embodies the AARP motto erved’ every day in every way.”

Rita Rothstein was chosen for her work in establishing the Sunflower Neighbors volunteer program, which provides transportation, friendly visiting, and referrals to community resources for disabled or ill residents of the Sunflower subdivision. Rothstein also volunteers as an Ambassador for the Pima Council on Aging, and oversees an Alzheimer Support Group. She has chaired a community relations committee involved in developing a new Tucson/Sunflower

AARP Chapter and holds the volunteer position of Life Choices Specialist with AARP Arizona. Rothstein is a Masters level social worker, with a specialty in Aging. She has 27 years of experience in the field of social work. AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions people make in their communities,” said Curtis Cook, AARP Associate State Director for Community Service. “Rita Rothstein sets a fine example of community service in all that she does for others and we congratulate her on receiving this prestigious award. Arkansas Dr. Raymond Biondo

A retired Sherwood physician has been named winner of this year’s AARP Arkansas Andrus Award for Community Service. The honor goes to Dr. Raymond Biondo who was cited for his continuing work in healthcare for the elderly, minority physician recruitment, literacy and youth causes. Dr. Biondo serves in leadership roles in a number of initiatives to improve health care for the elderly and disenfranchised groups. Two of his current efforts involve health

literacy and minority physician recruitment. Dr. Biondo says only about half of all patients take medications correctly and this is partially because over 40% with chronic illness are functionally illiterate. This, says Dr. Biondo, raises health care costs in Arkansas by about $640 million a year. Dr. Biondo is a retired dermatologist who has also given thousands of hours of volunteer time to such diverse organizations as Jewish War Veterans and Catholic Boy Scouts.

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California Delaware Nita Jones Ed Speraw

Nita Jones has helped position AARP as a leader through her presentations about AARP services and products and successful outreach to diverse communities at state and local conferences. Since retiring in 1992, Mrs. Jones has become a full time volunteer. In addition to her current assignment as statewide Campaign Lead for AARP California’s African American Inititiative, Nita along with her husband, Henderson, is involved with the California Congress of Seniors

and the Retired Teamsters Association. In her leadership role, Nita helped to organize over a hundred activities which assisted in the recruitment of AARP volunteers for major events such as the Martin King Luther Day Parade, Fiesta Broadway, Tournament of Roses Float Viewing, and Modern Maturity Mall shows, to name a few. Nita is a trusted and respected community volunteer. Her personal and timely communication helps volunteers, particularly African Americans, Latinos, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans and others ethnicities that make up the diverse communities of West Los Angeles County, focus on a common vision, eagerly participate and have fun together.

Ed Speraw led a successful grassroots campaign to improve consumer protection for more than 50,000 manufactured homeowners in Delaware. As an individual, and as President of the Delaware Manufactured Home Owners Association (DMHOA), Ed championed the cause of people who were intimidated and fearful of losing their homes. In addition to spearheading efforts which resulted in the passage of consumer protection laws, Ed

expanded the outreach of DMHOA across the state of Delaware, and secured a national manufactured homeowners convention in Delaware this past September. District of Columbia Barbara D. Morgan

Barbara D. Morgan exemplifies AARP's motto "to serve and not be served." As President of Chapter 3473, Ms. Morgan organized and inspired her members to make a real difference for disadvantaged DC residents by volunteering at SOME (So Others May Eat) and donating to their food bank, collecting cellular telephones for distribution to domestic violence victims and raising money for college tuition and community services for local youth and families. As an active

member of the East of River Pennsylvania Avenue Revitalization Task Force, she fought to improve the appearance of an underserved stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue and expand the support services available in that area. As President of the Dupont Park Civic Association, she led successful negotiations with the DC government for a community-based municipal center and spearheaded the establishment of a college-tuition assistance program. Through her leadership and dedication Ms. Morgan has improved the lives of AARP DC members, as well as seniors throughout the District, bettered her community, advanced AARP's vision of community service, and spurred volunteerism.

Colorado Leo Hamel

Leo Hamel is the Patron Saint of AARP Chapters in Colorado. He knows their issues and works tirelessly to help them survive and grow. He is there when they call or write and labors to keep them up to date on what is new with AARP. For his unswerving dedication and effort we are pleased to name him the 2003 Andrus Award winner for Colorado.

Connecticut Florida Bill Eddy Anne Bullock

In 1993, soon after he retired, Bill Eddy began volunteering for AARP. Helping to broaden and improve long-term care services, creating a Long-Term Care website, participating in the expansion of work provided by the Long-Term Care Advisory Council, and supporting the Commission on Aging are highlights of Bill’s decade-long work as a volunteer. Throughout all of this work, Bill has demonstrated a special ability to foster teamwork among parties with different

views and constituencies. Bill’s passion for his volunteer work stems from his belief that, in the face of adversity, opportunities appear and significant progress can be made by those who are resourceful and persistent. AARP Connecticut is pleased to award Bill Eddy the 2003 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service.

Anne Bullock was chosen as Florida’s recipient for the 2003 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service because of her broad involvement in volunteerism. Anne’s work with a number of organizations, including FREA, RSVP, Learn to Read of Northwest Florida, Inc., Reading is Fundamental, and the First United Methodist Church, illustrates the extent of her involvement in her community. Whether she is recruiting new tutors for a literary program or lobbying for

AARP’s issues, Anne’s infectious enthusiasm inspires others to want to be involved in whatever she is doing. Anne epitomizes the AARP motto, “To serve, and not to be served.”

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Georgia

(Idaho- Marie Sonderman cont’d) Warren Jones change. As AARP Idaho State Grandparenting Coordinator, she traveled extensively throughout the state successfully

Warren Jones was selected by the staff and volunteer award selection committee from all of the Georgia nominations because they felt he best exemplified devotion to community service. It was both the depth and breadth of activities that we felt needed recognition. A frequent speaker to adult, civic, and church groups, Mr. Jones never fails to encourage people age 50 and over to come and join AARP. He challenges them to become active, to stay young, and to serve. He co-hosts a weekly

“Talk of the Town” radio program where he covers local history and informs listeners of local community events. While all of the nominations showed important contributions to Georgia communities, Warren Jones’ nomination demonstrates a spirit that is inspirational.

accomplishing the outreach and technical assistance needed to establish community-based coalitions for the development and sustainability of local support groups for grandparents raising grandchildren. Marie’s work has been the key foundational element leading to the establishment of eight active support groups statewide, and the imminent launch of three additional groups. These support groups continue to make a measurable, positive difference in the lives of grandparents and in the lives of the children they nurture and raise. Marie is continuing her dedicated efforts to establish additional support groups for grandparents raising grandchildren in Idaho’s small rural communities. Illinois Dr. Edward K. Du Vivier

Dr. Edward K. Du Vivier is strongly involved with senior services in Alton, Illinois and was instrumental in helping the local center improve its building which allowed for greater programming and increases in the congregate and home delivered meals program. Dr. Du Vivier is the best example of AARP’s Vision of community service. He spends time at Assisted Living and Long Term Care Centers to find out what residents would like to read. He then follows up with area libraries to

get these books out to the residents. Dr. Du Vivier has helped improve his community through his spirit of volunteerism. He serves on the advisory council of the Area Agency on Aging of Southwestern Illinois. He also works with the Lewis and Clark Interpreter Center and the Ministry Among Older Adults Commission. He has worked closely with AARP Chapters and helped recruit leaders within this community. Dr. Du Vivier’s entire life has mirrored the words of Dr. Andrus - “To Serve and Not Be Served.” At the age of 86, he spends a large part of his time volunteering and helping others

Hawaii Virginia Isbell

Virginia Isbell from Kealakekua has been honored by AARP Hawaii as the 2003 recipient of AARP’s Andrus Award for Community Service. Virginia’s qualifications are self evident,” said Brandt Farias, First Hawaiian Bank Vice President and a member of the Andrus Award selection committee. “The depth and breadth of her community contributions are impressive and she is testimony to an active, healthy lifestyle.” Virginia has

a long history of helping her community members, both young and old.” She has volunteered with a large number of organizations in West Hawaii including the American Red Cross, Hospice of Kona, Alzheimer’s Association, Ka Ulu Lauhala, Kona Hospital Auxiliary, League of Women Voters, Community Response to ICE, and many, many others. According to Rush, Virginia’s leadership was also instrumental in the planning of a community clinic that would provide much needed health care to many underserved and low-income populations in West Hawaii.

Indiana Charles Fields, Ph.D.

Upon retirement in 1992, Dr. Charles Fields became an active volunteer with AARP Indiana’s State Legislative Committee and the Capital City Task Force. He continues serving AARP Indiana as a specialist volunteer for public policy, working closely with state advocacy staff and volunteers, and serving as the well-known auniversally respected face of AARP at the Indiana General Assembly. Dr. Fields brings to this role a strong commitment to public policies that

benefit all generations, from the very young to the very old.

Idaho Marie Sonderman

Despite being a less-populated rural state, Idaho has seen an 80% increase in the number of grandparents raising grandchildren from the 1990 Census to the 2000 Census. More than 14,000 Idaho children are being raised by their grandparents. Addressing this growing statewide issue, Marie Sonderman, the AARP Idaho recipient of the 2003 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, has been a major catalyst for significant positive social

nd

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Louisiana Iowa Don Manuel Mary Rose Brown

When Don Manuel retired from PPG a little over ten years ago, his wife, Dorothy, told him he had to join AARP because “all retired folks do.” After joining the AARP Chapter in his area, a former Chapter president informed him that she had been looking for a building in which to hold Chapter meetings and provide meals for seniors. Don stumbled across a friend who said he was looking to donate a building. Don told him he knew just the right recipient - AARP. With the

acquisition of the building, Don was able to “kill two birds with one stone,” thus establishing a meeting site for his AARP Chapter and finding a site to feed seniors. The Moss Bluff Senior Nutrition Center now serves nutritious meals to over 90 seniors daily, Monday-Friday. The nutrition center works in conjunction with Abraham’s Tent and receives public donations. It is independent of Council on Aging meal programs. Don is now the main fundraiser for the center. Each year he organizes a 5-K benefit race. Don has done a great deal to help seniors in his community.”

Mary Rose embodies community service. For many years she traveled the state empowering seniors by educating them on issues and the political process. She coordinated the “Get Out the Vote” campaign including organizing her entire neighborhood to fly their flags. But that’s not all. Mary Rose has been involved in promoting Iowa Priority One - a state based prescription drug program for seniors provided hopital equipment to those in need through the American Legion

Auxiliary prepared care packages for disadvantaged children in Mexico educated grade school children on the history of their community, completed tax returns for those in need, all while raising her family and being active in her church. Kansas Dr. Lawrence Bechtold

Dr. Lawrence Bechtold has been a leader and a hands on worker in every major AARP campaign for the past 15 years. Dr. Bechtold served two terms on the National Legislative Committee and implemented the AARP VOTE program in Kansas. His ability to inspire others to become involved and to try to make a difference is well-known, not only within AARP, but in the other organizations for which he volunteers. Through his work with the Shepherd's Center in Wichita, Dr.

Bechtold brings AARP issues to the forefront for seniors to enhance their knowledge and participation in topics he believes are important not only to AARP members, but to all older Kansans. In any AARP meeting or forum that Dr. Bechtold attends he always encourages others to learn and to be involved. Always accompanying such recruitment is his personal example of one who, through volunteering full time, is living an enriched life serving others.

Maine Jean T. Dellert

Jean Dellert is a leader. For over ten years she has contributed to AARP's advocacy success. As a member of the advocacy team and Capitol City Task Force, she has focused on Health and Long-term care legislation offering testimony and monitoring legislative developments. Her other leadership responsibilities include 8 years in the Maine Legislature and 10 years on the Gardiner City Council. She has also served on the boards of several organizations including Uplift, an

agency serving the developmentally disabled, and the Alzheimer Association. Recently Jean has worked to get a grant that will allow her city of Gardiner to upgrade older housing for lower income families and seniors. Ever mindful of the support that seniors need to stay independent in their own homes, Jean has worked with the State Police and represented AARP on a task force to help the police understand and be more responsive to concerns of older Mainers. AARP Maine is pleased to recognize Jean T. Dellert for her leadership locally, at the State House and across Maine. She is making a difference.

Kentucky Amzia Wheeler

Amzia Wheeler is a long time AARP Volunteer who as Chapter Specialist provides assistance to all the Chapters in the state, building on his success in growing the Hopkins County Chapter from 20 to 125 members in the two years he was president. In 2002, under the AARP banner, he continued his work with the Driver Safety Program, set up a successful support program for Habitat for Humanity, raised donations for the local food bank, served as President of

the Advisory Board of the Regional Senior Center, filled in as a volunteer for the Director of the Senior Center while the center director recovered from surgery, performed volunteer maintenance and lawn care at the center, served on the Salvation Army Board and was the Historian for the American Legion local chapter. Amzia is a mainstay of his community and of AARP statewide. His hard work and dedication make us proud to name him the Kentucky 2003 Andrus Award Recipient.

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Maryland Minnesota Robert Elliott, M.D. Marion Jacobson

Since his retirement in 1993, Dr. Elliott has been an active volunteer. For the past nine years, he has served on the Citizen’s Advisory Board for Deer’s Head Center, a hospital and nursing facility for the chronically ill. Dr. Elliott also has spent the last eight years as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, having served as a driver and manager for the program. In addition, he has been a volunteer with the Representative Payee

Program, an AARP Money Management initiative sponsored by the Mental Health Association in Montgomery County. It is estimated that he donates more than a thousand hours per year volunteering on behalf of causes that improve the lives of AARP members and their families.

Marion Jacobson is a dedicated advocate, tireless worker and exudes a continuous cheerfulness that is heart-warming and inspiring to everyone she meets. Although Marion participates in several intergenerational projects, it is her work on behalf of seniors that makes her our winner. Her volunteer roles include being an ombudsman for residents at the local nursing home, a consultant for the Seniors Coalition and AARP chapter on their community service initiatives, and an AARP

advocacy volunteer working on state and federal legislative issues. Marion is truly “the” person to call for information and assistance about senior issues in her community.

Mississippi Massachusetts Thomas L. Price Robert D. Mashia

Since retiring in 1986, Thomas Price, has committed his time and energy to giving something back to the community. Tom currently resides in Hattiesburg, MS where he is the Chapter President of the Hattiesburg Chapter 475 of AARP. Tom’s work has advanced AARP’s Vision of Community Service priority areas including youth, home and community based services for older adults, nursing home quality, and other services that provide or promote

benefits to low income older adults. Tom inspires others to become involved as volunteers in community service projects. He has demonstrated courage in representing a high regard for a clean and productive environment when others in power opposed such actions. What is unusual about Tom is his concern that others are prepared to lead when he is not present.

Bob is currently president of Chicopee AARP Chapter #4567. In addition to his service as a chapter president, he has been active for a number of years in various facets of community life. He is a Money Management volunteer, has served on the Board of Directors of his former company’s credit union and was an active member of the Kiwanis Club. Since childhood he has been involved with the Boy Scouts and has received awards for his volunteer leadership with the Boy Scouts and

Girls Scouts. He also maintains a high level of activity within his church. What makes Bob stand out is how active he remains, and the variety of activities that capture his energy and attention. Michigan Art Nichols

Art Nichols is a dynamic, determined and tenderhearted man who has embraced volunteerism as a way of life – a commitment that began in his college years and has never flagged. At a time in his life when he could be relaxing and reaping the rewards of a well-deserved retirement, he is constantly looking for ways to help people in his community, particularly low-income older adults. As a volunteer counselor with the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program,

Mr. Nichols provides the citizens of Kalamazoo with up-to-date information on the eligibility requirements of Medicare and Medicaid coverage. Since Art loves to cook, he routinely treats homebound older adults to a home-cooked meal. He provides companionship to countless homebound individuals, gives rides to doctor appointments, and helps with grocery shopping and errands – in the process, enabling many older adults to remain in their own home for as long as possible. In the words of the Kalamazoo County MMAP Director who nominated him, “Art Nichols not only provides service, but more importantly, he provides hope for those in need.

Missouri Beatrice Parks

It is indeed an honor for AARP Missouri to name Beatrice (affectionately called Bea) as our 2003 Andrus Award recipient. Bea has served AARP for 20 plus years, coming forth with enthusiasm and commitment “to serve and not to be served.” Whether at the chapter level or state level, she takes on any assignment and completes it professionally and effortlessly. It is no wonder that she received four separate nominations, each documenting her value to AARP and her community. Of

special note is her impact on other volunteers. They describe her as a spirit that never fails, with a determination to make our city a better place to live, as well as honest, self effacing, generous, vivacious.” Another of her team members adds: “When Bea visited her doctor last year, past her 83rd birthday, she said she was going to cut back on her volunteer activities. Her doctor replied “No, keep doing just what you’re doing. Don’t change a thing.”

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New Hampshire Montana Robert Denz Mary Lou Croff

Mary Lou has been a leader in AARP Montana since before the state office was established in 2000. Members of her Community Council include directors of several Billings and Montana specific organizations. Her involvement in AARP activitites in Billings is seen in everything we do there. Mary Lou is not only a leader, but is well thought of by members, community partners and the AARP community. Since Billings and Yellowstone County make up the largest population center in Montana,

we have more activities there than anywhere else in the state. Mary Lou has been able to bring AARP information to the Billings community on a scale and quality that I’m sure happens in few other communities that AARP serves.

Bob Denz has been an active volunteer with AARP New Hampshire since 1990. He saw an article in Modern Maturity, asking for volunteers on the State Legislative Committee. He attended a meeting of the committee, liked what he saw, was excited about the political process, and felt this is where he belonged. In 1991-1992, Bob helped onging effort in nation primary activities. (He tells me he still gets Christmas cards from Senator Jay Rockefeller. And Hillary Clinton

invited him to the White House!) This must have been a good match as Bob worked on the AARP VOTE program until 1995. Bob served as Acting State President twice.

Nebraska New Jersey Dr. Robert A. Bathke George Vassiliades

Dr. Robert Bathke exemplifies the meaning of community service and volunteer leadership. For the past 14 years, he has served AARP and the community in myriad roles. Dr. Bathke’s involvement with AARP Tax-Aide illustrates his remarkable ability to produce impressive results in a short time. In his first year as the AARP Tax-Aide District Coordinator for the Omaha/Eastern Nebraska area in 2002, he recruited 25 new volunteer counselors, expanded the program to 14 additional sites and increased e-

filings by one thousand percent. As an AARP volunteer, Dr. Bathke carries the message of service to other agencies and organizations, a visible example of AARP involvement at the grassroots of Nebraska. Others benefiting from his volunteer leadership are the Nebraska Stroke Foundation, the Salvation Army, the Chicano Awareness Center, the Tip Top Thrift Shop Board of Directors, Diabetes Education Center, Parkinson’s Association and Creighton University.

AARP New Jersey awarded George Vassiliades the 2003 Andrus Award for Community Service in recognition of his accomplishments, contributions to his community, long-term commitment and consistently high level of dedication toward making a positive difference in the lives of others. As the AARP Grassroots Coordinator for Middlesex County, a member of the AARP Prescription Drugs Task Force and president of the Senior Citizen's Club of Colonia,

George has accomplished many things. One of George's projects, a prescription drug discount plan in Colonia, was adopted and expanded by the Middlesex County Freeholders and is being copied by other New Jersey counties. George has involved older residents in an endeavor to read to school children and once a year act as grandparents for children whose grandparents are deceased. He works closely with local schools to support their work and has organized successful efforts to collect food, clothing and other items for people in need. George Vassiliades is a rare individual who has touched and enriched the lives of many.

New Mexico Nevada Lillian Serrano Joseph Shepp

Lillian Serrano is being recognized for her work as a tutor and fundraiser for the Let's Read! Literacy program and her volunteer work at the McCurdy School serving as a tutor and fund raiser and coordinating student visits to a local nursing home. In addition, she volunteers at the local soup kitchen and food pantry, she collects items for the domestic violence agency and spends time visiting developmentally disabled individuals. She also serves as a benefits

counselor for the state Health Insurance and Benefits Assistance Corps program. She worked on all of these projects during the past year and still provided support to the local AARP Chapter.

Joe has been a long time community volunteer and has been part of the Las Vegas community for over 50 years. He is charter member of several community organizations, and continuously cultivates and maintains friendships and relationships with business and community leaders. Joe is always on hand, aware, and prepared to advance the platforms of senior organizations and the causes that work to enrich our state’s seniors. Joe leads by example. He is the face

of AARP as a member and as a volunteer.

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New York (North Dakota – Roger L. Anderson cont’d) Adele Klenk with unbelievable energy and consistency in his performance. He has positively touched the lives of thousands of low income and elderly individuals with the filing of their tax returns. He is known to serve far more hours than many individuals in paid positions. Mr. Anderson has been know to travel many miles in inclement weather to insure AARP Tax-Aide sites are covered, as well as recruit, train, and set up volunteers to e-file and otherwise assist those needing help with their tax returns.

As AARP New York’s Long Island Regional Coordinator, Adele Klenk is the public face of AARP on Long Island, developing relationships with community based organizations as well as County officials and legislators. In the past, Adele has experienced tremendous success in boosting Long Island’s AARP Chapter membership and was a founding member of the Long Island Presidents’ Council, a forum where Chapter Officers problem solve and work on programming around AARP’s strategic priorities. Adele also

works tirelessly on AARP’s advocacy efforts – visiting legislators to discuss items on AARP’s legislative agenda, and organizing Long Island Chapter participation in AARP NY’s annual Lobby Day. Adele has also participated in many community service projects for the Long Island community including participating in and organizing local blood drives. She has all the skills and volunteer qualities to get any AARP job done – she is a motivator, a peer mentor, dedicated with boundless energy, and most importantly, she knows how to make work fun!

Ohio Evelyn Daniel

Evelyn Daniel is a volunteer with Community Hospice Care in Tiffin, Ohio who demonstrates a strong commitment to terminally ill patients and their families and volunteer service while still employed full-time. Ms. Daniel provides care to both hospice patients and their families, greatly contributing to their quality of life. She supports patients emotionally and spiritually and provides respite to caregivers and families of hospice patients. As a Eucharistic minister, she

provides special ministry and communion to patients unable to attend services. She cares for patients on holidays so they will have visitors and other volunteers can spend time with their families. Ms. Daniel also chairs a hospice fundraiser and recruits her friends and family members to support the hospice. She puts others.

North Carolina Richard C. Hatch

Richard Hatch was recognized for his extensive advocacy on senior issues at the NC General Assembly, where he has been active since 1990. He has served as chairman of AARP’s Capital City Task Force and as chairman of the association’s State Legislative Committee. He now chairs AARP’s Legislative Advocacy Team, as well as serving as Legislative Chair of AARP’s Cary chapter. Hatch worked to help repeal the state sales tax on food and to raise North Carolina’s income

eligibility for Medicaid to federal levels. He was part of an effort to defeat efforts of retail druggists to place a sur- charge on drugs purchased through insurance plans and he has been active in supporting efforts to regulate payday lenders, predatory mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers. “Dick Hatch has been a tireless advocate on issues of importance to North Carolina’s mid-life and older adults,” said AARP NC State Director Robert Jackson. “He has a tremendous grasp of the details and complexities of legislative issues and a real passion for protecting the rights of our aging population.”

Oklahoma Connie Koch

Connie Koch has been a very proactive member of AARP’s volunteer family in Oklahoma and is largely responsible for the organization’s success in the Tulsa area. Currently, Connie serves as the community coordinator for Tulsa. Through her leadership, the council has helped organize many successful events, including Summer Fest for Grandparents Raising Their Grandchildren, which drew nearly 100 people. Connie has been a volunteer for the Tulsa Resource Center since its inception. She has demonstrated

a real commitment to answering phone inquiries with a positive attitude and a spirit of cheerfulness and kindness. As the lead volunteer for the Computer Room at University Village, Connie has instructed residents in the use of computers, thereby bringing dignity, purpose and the fulfillment of goals and dreams to residents’ lives. Through a can-do attitude and a positive approach to solving problems, Connie Koch exemplifies the very characteristics of the visionary educator for whom the Andrus Award is named.

North Dakota Roger L. Anderson

Mr. Anderson has been selected because of his significant contributions to the AARP Tax-Aide program. He has trained volunteers in the tax counseling program, with particular emphasis on e-filing in recent years. He led the state for the number of tax forms he e-filed and nearly matched the rest of the state Tax-Aide volunteers combined for number of e-filing returns. Mr. Anderson is recognized as a role model

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Oregon Rhode Island Beverley Thomas Anna M. Prior

Beverley Thomas has been an inspirational leader and model for community service in Oregon. From her work with the American Red Cross Disaster Health Services, to state and local leadership as both volunteer and board/committee leader, including State Coordinator for AARP Driver Safety Program, and active member of the Governor’s Commission for Senior Services, Bev has walked the talk as an ambassador for community service.

Ann Prior, at age 94, epitomizes what Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus had in mind when she coined the phrase, “To serve – not to be served” A teacher for 41 years, Anna has been a lobbyist since 1973 (30 years), working with the legislature on such issues as right-to-work after retirement, COLA, retirement benefits, RIPAE and housing reform for the elderly, despite occasional health problems. Anna continues to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the RI Retired Teachers

Association as well as the Chair of the Legislative Committee of the Central Retired Teachers Association. As Vice-President of the Commission for the Safety and Care of the Elderly, she advocates for the elderly in each of Rhode Island’s fire and police departments to ensure their safety and well-being. Anna was also responsible for organizing four local RTA’s as well as the State Association. She is truly deserving of the Andrus Award for Community Service.

Pennsylvania John Brill

John Brill worked in the Pittsburgh schools as a teacher, guidance counselor, vice-principal, and principal. Since his retirement, he has been an active volunteer, both within his community and with AARP. He has served as chair of AARP's Pennsylvania State Legislative Committee and is on the local board of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees. John spends a great deal of time visiting residents of local long-term

care facilities as a part of his volunteer activities in his local AARP chapter. He was also instrumental in the establishment of a radio program for the visually impaired in the Pittsburgh area and served as moderator and producer of an AARP segment that read from AARP publications and interviewed guests about AARP priorities.

South Carolina Reverend Dr. William P. Diggs, Sr.

Reverend Diggs served on AARP’s Predatory Mortgage Lending Faith-based Committee, representing the SC Educational and Missionary Convention. He and members the church kicked-off Predatory Lending Sunday in South Carolina. The congregation that he serves opened their facilities for a county-wide AARP Predatory Mortgage Lending workshop co-sponsored with the Florence Senior Citizens Association. Through his leadership AARP state office staff were

able to address all of the major Baptist Conventions. It was his eloquence that led more that 100 Baptist churches (statewide) to discuss and host community-wide workshops on predatory lending.

Puerto Rico Carmen Petra Pellot

Carmen Petra Pellot is a distinguished civil leader who has dedicated her life to community service as an AARP community leader and an active member of The Lion’s Club and the Catholic Church. With AARP, Mrs. Pellot has served as President of the Carolina Chapter and Coordinator for the Community Services Committee, concentrating her efforts on helping the aging population in low income communities. She also serves with the Blind Children’s Institute, Loa

Cordero, and the Society for Blind Children and is founder of the “Campamento de Oro”- a camp she founded 15 years ago for the 50 plus population. Mrs. Carmen Petra exemplifies the dedication of AARP volunteers “to serve and not to be served.

South Dakota Don Vogt

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As the outgoing AARP SD State President, Don helped transition our entire state volunteer cadre with the opening of the new state office in the fall of 2001. Through both diplomacy and hard work, he assisted the new state office staff by traveling to each and every chapter and unit throughout South Dakota in order to be our liaison in implementing our very first complete state plan in 2002. His leadership and unflinching resolve, carried on the legacy of his wife, Roberta Vogt, the previous state president who had passed away

shortly after the state office opened. His work continued into 2003 when he helped establish our first AARP South Dakota Leadership Summit at the state legislature this past FebruaryHis commitment to his home community continues as he has decided to get back into teaching in order to share his knowledge, experience and compassion

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8

Vermont Tennessee

Barbara Lane Barbara Lane of Lookout Mountarepresents the face of AARPeveryone she meets in her community. She has worked tirelessly to raise the awareness of the need for in-home services for the past several years, and headed up the effort in Chattanooga region during 2002. Approximately 500 individuals havbeen reached through the direct efforts of Barbara Lane. Ms. Lane iscaring, energetic, and enthusiasticand visits AARP members in their

homes, hospitals, and all levels of long term care institutions. Barbara has used all methods of communications with her efforts, including letter writing, phone calls and radio and television interviews. She has solicited individuals, agenciesand businesses to conduct manual labor, donate or reduce prices for materials, and give money to support individuals needing in-home care. Hundreds of lives have been touched and improved because of the service Barba

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me a retired government worker but not a

tired person.

Norbert Johnson of Brattleboro is theState Coordinator for the AARP Tax-Aide program, a position he has held for four years. Norb started in 1996 with Tax-Aide as training coordinator and then was district coordinator. By necessity, he has also carried out tduties of other key leadership positions over the years – on top of his own responsibilities --technology coordinator, communication coordinator and training coordinator. Norb has built

the program from serving some 4500 Vermonters four yeago to over 6300 this last tax season. A small business consultant, Norb was recently honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration for his efforts in assisting small businesses through financial services. He was presented with the Administration’s 2003 Financial Services Award. Over tyears he has volunteered for a variety of community and business organizations including the International Executive Service Corps and RSVP. He is on the board of the VermontCenter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and serves on the finance committee of the Brattleboro Area Community Land Trust. Norb’s advice to others is “to do what you enjoy…as long as you’re doing it well and you’re helping other people,

in Texas Trinidad Acosta

Trini is known throughout El Paso as“The AARP Lady,” for she is always educating the community about AAprograms and services, as well as advocating for the rights of older adults. Since many of people that shedeals with do not speak English, Trinaccompanies them to their doctor’sappointments, and interprets andexplains the doctor’s orders and responses of the patient. According to one nominator, “The work of Trinidad Acosta in the El Paso area has impactethe lives of hundreds of people. With

her sweet, friendly, persuasive personality, she has been ableto secure volunteers in various types of services. Moreover, the lives of the individuals she has touched has inspired them to reach out to others and attempt to make life easier, better, and more meaningful. She believes there is always a way – a way to get volunteers, a way to get information when needa way of overcoming obstacles.” Someone once wrote ‘a diamond is a piece of coal that stuck to the job.’ Trinidad Acosta is that diamond,

d Virgin Islands

Angelita Jennings was selected as the Andrus Award Winner fbecause of her consistent involvement in St. Thomas Chapter #3138 activities, which has alwbeen exemplary. As Program Committee Chair she has always done an outstanding job. When sis not taking the lead in Chapter activities, she is always willing to carry out whatever assignments agiven to her and she doesgreat thoroughness and professionalism. She continually

encourages members to volunteer their time, especially in visiting the shut-ins and the elderly. In spite of her recent heart surgery, she perseveres in supporting Chapter activities. As if being an AARP volunteer was not enough, Angelita is alsoinvolved with other organizations throughout the community while also working at her daughter’s business on a part-tibasis. Angelita is

e Utah Roy Likins

Roy Likins is honored for the impacthis many contributions bring to hcommunity. He provides public education on elder abuse, teaches American flag history in the schools andteaches drug awareness programs andbike safety to elementary and middle school children. His service to fellow war veterans is impressive. Likins not only assists them with transportation the Veteran’s Administration MedicaCenter in Salt Lake City, 150 miles away, but provides transp

re locally to physician appointments and grocery

shopping. He also serves on the Six County Aging Adv C

9

Virginia

10

Eleanor Boyd

-

Eleanor

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unches

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nized y community leaders as a model for others to follow.

allace Seymour

rus

ith local

ood

essful

learn about and access ate and federal assistance programs

rovides

l

g side

tional individual and an outstanding West

irginia volunteer.

Myrt Hembree

for

. She

r the

g-

sville

elping people and instills the spirit f volunteerism in others.

nity

ages

Action initiative in is own community.

Wisconsin Eleanor Boyd, a retired educator from Richmond, has been a dedicated and tireless volunteer in her community. Through her leadership, community agencies in metropolitan Richmond have joined together to address human need particularly the needs of older citizens. When the General Assembly is working on bills important to all families,is there mobilizing hundreds of grassroots activists to make their voices heard. She has championed the causegrandparents raising grandchild and

organized programs that have reached over 200 kinship care families. She mobilized volunteers to prepare over 400 lto support the Christmas in April program. As an AARP volunteer, Eleanor is recognized as a person who only needbe asked once, and then she gets the job done. Eleanor’s tireless commitment has inspired others to get involved. Her enthusiasm is contagious and her commitment is recog

Myrt Hembree is the well-deserving recipient of this year’s Andrus AwardCommunity Service for a variety of reasons. She is a giving, caring, andkind individual who strives to make things better for those in needserves as a member of AARP Wisconsin’s State Coordinating Council and helps to set state-wide policy. She is active in performing outreach fostate prescription drug program, SeniorCare, as well as delivering LonTerm Care presentations to several

AARP Chapters around the state. With her husband George, Myrt helped to establish two new AARP Chapters in Wisconsin last year in Janesville and Beloit, and serves as the JaneChapter Secretary. Myrt serves on all of the Chapter’s committees and chairs several of them. Myrt has initiated several community service projects including delivering bread to the Janesville Senior Center and the Gathering Place in Milton, and makes and delivers “ouch dolls” for children who are being treated at area medical facilities. These and other projects Myrt has initiated give everyone in her AARP Chapter a real sense of giving and h

b Washington oW

Wally Seymour was selected to receive AARP Washington's 2003 AARP AndAward for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious volunteeraward. His past and present volunteer accomplishments include a position on the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Advisory Board; work wlaw enforcement in volunteer recruitment for the Homeland Security Program; and membership in LakewPromise, a community program for

volunteers in Lakewood, WA. Seymour has also managed andcoordinated activities for the AARP Pierce County Information Center for the past 12 years. He contributed to the succlaunch of the BenefitsCheckUp Program at the center, providing an easy way for the public to

Wyoming Bill Marsh

Bill Marsh is a leader in commuservice. He inspires others to volunteer. He walks the talk and is a role model for others. He has helped build ramps allowing the use of walkersand wheelchairs for people of all with disabilities. He helps clean highways, is serving on statewide boards that help the elderly and is developing a Faith in h

st West Virginia

Tom McKeny

Tom McKeny’s record of achievement, service and commitment to his family, church, neighborhood and town pan extraordinary example of the difference that volunteerism can make in the lives of individuals and in the welbeing and vitality of a community. He leads by example and works alonthe people he recruits, which is consistent with AARP’s mission, vision, and strategic direction. He models theAARP motto “To serve, and not to be served.” To him it is not just a motto, it

is the way he lives his life. We believe you will agree, Mr. TomMcKeny is an excep

V