AARP seeking nominations for community service award
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Linda F. Fitzgerald
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May, 2012
By Linda F. Fitzgerald
AARP State President
Special to PRIME
Think for a moment. Who do you know, in your community, who always gives back? Who makes a difference where you live? Who is your volunteer superstar?
Right now, AARP Massachusetts is seeking nominations for the 2012 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service. This is our most prestigious volunteer honor.
Each year, AARP casts its net. It looks for the often unsung heroes in cities and towns across the Commonwealth. AARP looks for those among us who are sharing their experience, talent and skills to make a powerful difference in the lives of others, right in their hometown.
Since its beginning in 1958, AARP has placed a priority on community service and civic involvement. Organization founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, called on all members "to serve, not to be served," as she challenged them to "create the good" by helping others in their communities.
"To serve, not to be served," stands as AARP's motto today. And it maintains vital importance, especially in this time of economic uncertainty, when many families and communities are struggling. According to the Massachusetts Service Alliance, Bay State residents are stepping forward in record numbers to serve, roll up their sleeves, and help solve the growing challenges facing their communities.
Last year, AARP recognized 51 individuals from throughout the country with the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service. Here in Massachusetts, we honored Dr. Daniel Clapp of Amherst. Upon his retirement, Clapp donated his time and medical expertise to run free clinics in Amherst, Leverett and Northampton; he also served as a sideline physician for college athletics.
Nancy Pagano, director of the Amherst Senior Center, was one of several community members who nominated Clapp for our award. In addition to the volunteer work for which he may best be known, she added, "Always willing to lend a helping hand, Dan is the epitome of an active, committed, dedicated, caring member of our senior community. Not only does he serve on the Council on Aging, Friends of the Amherst Senior Center, and Senior Health Advisory Group, he also helps individual seniors by delivering meals to shut-ins and checking on their well-being, by driving elders to doctor's appointments ." and more. Clapp is certainly busy making a difference. So are many others throughout Massachusetts. Who comes to mind when you think about the volunteer superstar in your community?
AARP considers a range of criteria when selecting the Andrus Award for Community Service recipient, including: how their volunteer work positively enhances the lives of people age 50 and older; how it improves the community; how they inspire others to volunteer. All nominees must be at least 50 years old, and their volunteer work must have been done without pay.
Volunteering is a way of life for so many of our members, their family and friends. We encourage you to help us recognize someone who is giving their all, serving your community, to make it a better place.
For important nomination tips, visit the AARP Massachusetts website, www.aarp.org/ma or call 1-866-448-3621. The application deadline is June 1.
AARP hopes to be celebrating this year's volunteer superstar in your hometown!
A lifelong Springfield resident, Linda F. Fitzgerald is the volunteer state president of AARP Massachusetts, which serves more than 800,000 members age 50 and older in the Commonwealth. Connect with AARP Massachusetts online at www.aarp.org/ma
, www.facebook.com/AARPMA
and www.twitter.com/AARPMA
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