AARP Maine seeks Andrus Award for Community Service nominees

PORTLAND — AARP Maine is seeking nominations for its 2022 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service which honors those individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of others in their community.  The annual award is named after AARP’s founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, who founded AARP in 1958 at the age of 73.

“Older Mainers already understand the value of giving back and enhancing their communities,” says Noël Bonam, AARP Maine state director. “Many remain actively involved locally, putting to use their experience and wisdom. They realize that volunteerism fulfills this need and the desire to help others. Through this recognition, AARP Maine encourages members and prospective members to use their skills and talents as a way to remain vital as well as make a difference in their community.”

The screening of nominees will be performed by a panel of AARP staff and volunteers. This screening includes the review of a range of criteria including each nominee’s positive impact on their community and the lives of individuals age 50 and over. 

Carl Bucciantini is the current AARP Maine volunteer state president and last year’s winner of the award in partnership with his wife, Joyce. Carl stated “The AARP Maine Andrus Award acts as a symbol to our members and to the public that we can all work together for positive social change. AARP makes things better for society and has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions AARP volunteers make to their communities and neighbors.”

AARP Andrus Award for Community Service nominees must meet the following eligibility requirements:

— Nominees must be 50 or older, but do not need to be a member of AARP;

— The achievements, accomplishments or service on which nominations are based must have been performed on a volunteer basis, without pay;

— The achievements, accomplishments or service on which the nominations are based must reflect AARP’s vision and mission;

— Couples or partners who perform service together are eligible; however, teams are not;

— The recipient must live in the awarding state; and

— This is not a posthumous award.

The application deadline is Aug. 1. Click here for nomination forms and here for further information about the award and its history.

The AARP Maine Andrus Award for Community Service is an annual awards program developed to honor individuals whose service is a unique and valuable contribution to society.  Last year, Greene residents Joyce and Carl Bucciantini received the award.

For more information about AARP and our work in Maine, please visit our website at www.aarp.org/me and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @aarpmaine.