KANSAS - Opal Flinn
Opal’s record of service to her community is exceptional. Having held almost every volunteer position in her AARP Ellis Chapter #1403, she encourages others to get involved in chapter and community volunteer activities. Each year, Opal writes, produces, and directs a skit performed by chapter members for the Ellis Good Samaritan Center’s residents. She is very involved in the chapter’s annual Milestone Dinner, which honors the 80th, 90th, and 100th birthdays of community members. She writes for the Hays Daily News “Generations” page, where she highlights AARP issues. She is a great resource on issues affecting older Kansans and makes sure her congressional delegation understands how certain legislation affects AARP members. She and her husband Jim serve on the Hays Daily News Senior Advisory Committee and are heavily involved in 4-H activities. Opal sends cards to AARP chapter members who are ill, encourages laughter at chapter meetings, takes pictures, and writes stories to record chapter events.
KENTUCKY - William (Bill) H. Harned
Completing William H. Harned's 2009 Andrus Award for Community Service nomination form took a small committee of friends and fellow members of his AARP chapter (Mt. Washington, Ky., Number 4613) long hours. Bill's volunteer service with AARP stretches back well before the opening the Kentucky state office. Now helping out for more than a decade, he has actively participated as a three-term state president (from 2002–2007), a member of the executive council, and an active leader of his AARP chapter.
Included with Bill's nomination were numerous, detailed letters supporting his personal commitment, "conscientiousness and professionalism," and "energetic leadership." With his "watchful eye," he has supported AARP's priorities and has helped citizens across the state. When asked about his motivation for creating the good, he said, "My family and I received much; in retirement, we should help with the needs of others."
Bill's service includes citizen advocacy on state and federal issues, educating consumers and protecting them from financial fraud, supporting retired educators, helping grandparents raising grandchildren, and fighting budget cuts to long-term-care initiatives that support home and community-based services. His leadership is especially recognized in defending Medicare and Medicaid recipients. Recently, Gov. Steve Beshear appointed Bill to serve on the Kentucky Consumer Advisory Council.
Throughout his tenure at AARP, Bill has had the support of his wife, Rita, who is now a chapter president herself and their children's families—including 11 beautiful grandchildren. Finally, Bill's motorcycle played no small role in his participation.
LOUISIANA – Myrtle C. Winbush
Myrtle C. Winbush, a retired accountant who served the Louisiana State University Medical Center, merited numerous letters of appreciation and awards for her outstanding service, including her work on providing medical and housing services for the elderly and the needy. Myrtle is currently the volunteer coordinator of the AARP Information Center in New Orleans, which works statewide. Fifteen dedicated AARP members volunteer under her leadership. Myrtle volunteered at 18 of 43 engagements in 2008 for AARP Congressional District Impact Team 2, New Orleans. A member of AARP–New Orleans, La., Chapter #4550, she serves as chaplain and has served in various leadership roles. Myrtle also serves on numerous boards, including the State of Louisiana Executive Board, by appointment of Governor Bobby Jindal; the Board of Directors of the New Orleans Council on Aging; and the executive board of the Gilbert Academy Alumni Association.
MAINE - Joan Jagolinzer
Tax-Aide state coordinator Joan Jagolinzer has volunteered with AARP and AARP Foundation for approximately 20 years. Joan has a strong history of volunteering. As a young teen, she volunteered at what is now Maine Medical Center. Later, while living in the Augusta area, she was a founding member of the Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Kennebec Valley and Treasurer of the YMCA. She has shown her commitment to conserving the environment by participating in the Scarborough Conservation Commission and the Casco Lakes Advisory Committee. For more than 20 years, Joan also volunteered at Camp Sunshine in Casco. A majority of Joan’s working career was spent in the audit division of the Internal Revenue Service in Maine. She now likes to say that the volunteer work that she does with the Tax-Aide Program, administered by the AARP Foundation, is much less “taxing” than the work she did as a paid professional.
MARYLAND – Albert M. Johnston
Al Johnston is serving in his fourth year as president of the AARP Severna Park Chapter, Number 2323. Under Al’s leadership, his chapter received the First Place 2006 Chapter Challenge Award from the Maryland state office. A tireless political activist in Annapolis, Al has testified many times on AARP’s behalf before the Maryland General Assembly on issues such as utilities, health care, and transportation. His quick grasp of the issues and knowledge of the legislature makes him a highly valued asset in legislative advocacy on the state level. Al worked to support the Divided We Fail initiative, participated in Washington, D.C., rallies for prescription drugs under Medicare, and is currently assisting with outreach and education for AARP’s Health Action Now! campaign. Outside of AARP, Al serves on the Board of Directors for Woodswise: A Senior Housing Corporation, is Vice President of Public Affairs for the Greater Severna Park Council, and conducts a pro bono legal-assistance program that educates older adults about Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, estate planning and real estate issues.
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