James Smalley is named AARP Arkansas' 2007 Andrus Award Recipient

This is the Association's most prestigious and visible volunteer award for community service

Source: AARP.org | November 12, 2007

Governor Mike Beebe recognized the achievements of AARP Arkansas' top volunteers at an annual appreciation event held at the Governor's mansion Nov. 1.

James Smalley of Little Rock was awarded Arkansas' 2007 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association's most prestigious and visible volunteer award for community service. An AARP National Board member, Cora Christian, and two hundred AARP volunteers from around the state attended.

AARP Arkansas selected Smalley for his remarkable service and for the impact he has had on the lives of others and on his community. Smalley was the lead volunteer advocate working for AARP's successful Choices in Care campaign during the 2007 session of the Arkansas General Assembly. The Choices campaign resulted in Act 516, establishing the Options Counseling in Long-Term Care Program statewide.

The law requires the state to offer to inform those entering nursing homes in Arkansas of all the long-term care options available to them and to assist in taking advantage of other options, when requested.

Among his many volunteer pursuits, Smalley serves on the Advisory Committee which oversees rules and regulations for Arkansas' term care facilities, including those for hospice and home health care. He also volunteers for the Reynolds Center on Aging; SeniorNet, a computer learning program for seniors; and the Clinton Library.

For 35 years before he retired, he represented the Arkansas Baptist State Convention on college campuses, spending 16 of those years working at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Smalley is also a World War II and Korean War veteran.

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service recognizes members and volunteers in each state and territory who, through volunteer service, are significantly enhancing the lives of individuals age 50 and over. This award symbolizes that individuals have the power and ability to make a difference in the lives of others.

"This award is a symbol to members and the public that we can all work together for positive social change," says Maria Reynolds-Diaz, AARP state director.

Diaz also announced that AARP Arkansas is presenting its Distinguished Service Award to Dennis and Theresa Hutcherson of Maumelle.

"The Hutchersons embody the spirit of volunteerism which AARP seeks to ignite in every Arkansan who is 50+," Diaz said.

After helping to start an AARP chapter in Maumelle, they went on to hold leadership positions in the chapter, and at the regional and state levels. Theresa Hutcherson is currently serving on the AARP national Chapter Advisory Committee.