VIRGIN ISLANDS – Steve Abrants
After moving to St. Croix in 2001, Steve Abrants quickly became a three-term president of ARRP–St. Croix, chapter number 3167. He played an instrumental role in developing the chapter’s Standing Rules, which became a model for other chapters in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Steve worked on the efforts to prevent Social Security privatization and to establish Medicare prescription-drug coverage. In 2007–2008, Steve served as the AARP Driver Safety Program State Coordinator; and by promoting the program, he increased the number of class participants. Each year, he participates in AARP’s Day of Service and CareForce, the territory’s largest preventative health-screening event for older Virgin Islanders. A man of many roles, both inside and outside of AARP, Steve has been a computer-class instructor for AARP volunteers and an English instructor for Hispanos Unidos, which helps Spanish-speaking students improve their English. When the American Cancer Society asks, Steve becomes the character “Mr. Colon Polyp,” to help raise cancer awareness.
VIRGINIA – James C. “Buddy” Kelly Jr.
James C. “Buddy” Kelly Jr. has exemplified service throughout his life. As vice president and president of the AARP–Hanover, Va., Chapter, number 5335, his leadership has benefited AARP state and chapter initiatives. Buddy has also served as a State AARP Virginia Legislative Specialist, who contacts legislators and members of Congress to support older Virginians and AARP issues. Buddy also actively worked with Hanover County officials to provide tax relief for disadvantaged older persons. He was a major organizer for the Hanover AARP Chapter’s involvement in the Rebuilding Together Program in Richmond, Va., where he served as a House Captain. Most recently, as a member of the Hanover Council on Aging, Buddy chaired the committee that was created to study the need for specialized transportation in Hanover County. Buddy’s interest in helping older Virginians and less fortunate people has engaged him in committee work at many local and regional levels. Currently, he volunteers as an AARP Advocacy Team Member. He is a member of the Hanover County Council on Aging and Chairman of the Hanover Older Perspective Committee.
WASHINGTON – Ed and Joan Singler
Ed and Joan Singler have a long and impressive history of community service, working to enhance the lives of people of all ages across the state. In 1961, they co-founded the Seattle Chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), which was the driving force behind the city’s civil rights movement, challenging employment discrimination, housing discrimination, and school segregation. Ed served as the AARP Washington State Office volunteer president for six years, while Joan played a key role in supporting and collaborating with AARP–Washington’s Executive Council. In particular, she volunteers to advance AARP’s social impact goals. During the Divided We Fail initiative, the Singlers collected hundreds of signatures from friends and family. Each Thanksgiving, Ed and Joan donate turkeys to the Pike Place Senior Center and deliver meals to homebound seniors. Last year, they rallied friends and family to donate more than 25 turkeys for their effort.
WEST VIRGINIA – Arthur G. Olds
Arthur G. Olds’ record of achievement, service, and commitment to his family, church, neighborhood, and town is an extraordinary example of the difference that volunteerism can make in the lives of individuals and in the well-being and vitality of a community. The most unusual characteristic of Art's volunteer work is the variety, magnitude, and lasting impact he has had on all segments of his community. Not only does he do the hands-on service; he also manages to bring about positive, long-term changes in policies and customs. Consistent with AARP’s mission, vision, and strategic direction, Art leads by example and works alongside the people he recruits. He personifies the AARP motto "To serve, not to be served." To him, the mantra is not a just a statement; it is the way he lives his life.
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