AARP Maine’s Volunteer Recognition awards ceremony and luncheon were held Nov. 28 in Hallowell to honor AARP volunteers for exceptional service provided to older Mainers throughout the year.

Several volunteers received the Belle Rush Award for participation in community activities and projects sponsored by an AARP chapter or a Retired Teachers Association unit. The award is presented in honor of Belle Rush, a Millinocket woman who dedicated herself to working on AARP’s legislative issues and was tireless in her service to others.

. Lewis and Louise Bayley of Bangor were honored for outstanding commitment and service to their community. The Bayleys’ generosity to their community is endless. They volunteer for Meals for ME, bake for senior dinners, work in The Salvation Army soup kitchen and volunteer for the Angel Tree at the Bangor Mall. They are instrumental in the organization of AARP Bangor chapter fundraisers to benefit community organizations.

. Marjorie Jordan of Veazie was recognized for commitment and service to her community. Jordan organizes the AARP Bangor chapter’s participation in activities including bingo games for the Bangor Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She enjoys reading to schoolchildren on “Dr. Seuss Day.” Her generosity includes donating toys and school supplies to community organizations.

. Joan Laney of Skowhegan, a retired business educator, was honored for outstanding commitment to her community. She belongs to Somerset County Retired Teachers Association, serving as chapter treasurer, assisting with scholarship fundraisers and helping to boost membership.

. Emma Richards of Mount Desert was recognized for commitment and service to her community. Her service includes substitute teaching and volunteering at Sonogee Convelescent Home and the Birch Bay Living Center. She took part in the development of the math and social studies curricula for Union 98. In addition, for 52 years and still going, she has sung for her church choir.

. Leonard Berry of Millinocket was honored for outstanding commitment to serving his community. Berry serves on the Community Service Committee for AARP Chapter 2652 and is a tax aid volunteer for seniors.

He also is a member of Dot and the Hasbeens singing group, entertaining nursing home

residents around the state.

Also honored were:

Executive Council members: Charlene Thompson, Portland; Roberta Downey, Bangor; newest member, Cheryl Miller, Falmouth; retiring: Norm Ferguson, Hanover; Gloria Dugan, Falmouth; Gerry Robertson, Brewer.

Special Projects Team: Betsey Cantrell, Bath; Carol Mower, Orono; Phil Gonyar, Waterville; Carl Daiker, Waterville; Pat Pulkkinen, South Paris; Dave Barber, Bath; Becky Armstrong, South Paris.

Capital City Task Force: David Hall, Bath; Shawn Lewin, Bangor; Ernest Marriner, Augusta; Jean Dellert; Norm Ferguson, Hanover; Roberta Goodell; Harry True, Auburn; Elinor Goldblatt, Auburn; George Baldwin, Brunswick; Rena Heath, Hallowell.

Divided We Fail Team: Nelson Megna, AARP state president; Caroline Bean, Kennebunk; Dan Harris, Boothbay; Martha Pillsbury; Andrea Merrifield, Gorham; Carol Mower, Orono; Pat Pulkkinen, South Paris; Charlene Thompson, Portland.

Safe Driving Program: Paul Cyr, Bristol; Pete Lamarre, West Bath; Rita Bailey, Norman Barrows, Palmyra; David Snyder, Limerick; George Davis, regional coordinator, Skowhegan.

Tax Aid volunteers: Jack McGraw, Gorham; Marilynn Wilson, Waldoboro; Linda Kinney, Molunkus.

Volunteer Ombudsman Program: Bob Kraus: Kennebunk; Ray Richard, Lewiston; Lew Frey, Roque Bluffs.

Money Management: Susan Olds, Caroline Price.

Maine Senior Medicare Patrol: Carol Rancourt, Dick Hilton, Stan Cohen.

“AARP’s work would not be possible without the dedication and vigilance of volunteers,” said state director Jud Dolphin. “There are almost 400 volunteers who represent AARP throughout the state, as they work to improve the lives of their fellow Mainers from their local communities to the state Capital. Our volunteers truly exemplify AARP’s motto: ‘To serve, not to be served’.”

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to making life better for people 50 and over. The organization provides information and resources; engages in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy; assists members in serving their communities; and offers a range of benefits, special products and services for members.