2007 State Andrus Award
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-10-19 11:35:39.752030-04:00
AARP South Dakota congratulates Pierre Mayor Dennis Eisnach, and wife Shirley as recipients of the 2007 AARP South Dakota Andrus Award for Outstanding Community Service.
Both Eisnachs serve on AARP's volunteer Executive Council. Dennis has been a member of the Executive council for the past 5 years, and has served as the acting Volunteer State President for AARP South Dakota. Shirley is active in the Pierre Area Retired Teachers Unit and chairs the AARP South Dakota 50th Anniversary Committee. She also served as president of the South Dakota Retired Teachers Association from 2004-2006. Both willingly and eagerly give their time to improve and enrich the lives of others through AARP and countless other organizations and activities.
"The Eisnachs truly exemplify AARP's motto 'To serve, not to be served'," said Sarah Jennings, AARP South Dakota State Director. "Their leadership, spirit of service, and contributions to their communities are unsurpassed."
A number of other deserving nominees include: Elaine Hicks, Sioux Falls; Charlotte Jones, Huron; Carol Lehrkamp, Mobridge; Bonita Ley, Rapid City; Darlene Matt, Philip; Virginia Petrik, Wagner; Joe Walker, Rapid City; and Cal Wiest, Rapid City.
"I thank all of our dedicated volunteers for all of their many contributions to AARP," Jennings said. "Our volunteers are the ones making life better for South Dakotans of all ages."
In addition to the Andrus Award, AARP also recognizes several individual as recipients of the 2007 AARP South Dakota President's Awards for their contributions to AARP and their communities.
In the Southeast region, Paul DeLong, for spearheading the home modification efforts for Yankton as the targeted community. DeLong not only restored a home devastated by a tornado last year, he also led the effort to build wheelchair ramps for needy families on behalf of AARP. His tireless efforts improved the lives of several Yankton residents.
In the Northeast Region, Jay & Margaret Ruckdaschel for their long-time service to AARP and RTA in the Pierre & Huron areas. The Ruckdaschels have continuously motivated both the Chapter and Unit in Huron to keep things going. They are Driver Safety instructors and State Trainers for new Driver Safety instructors. Jay has served as President of the South Dakota Retired Teachers Association. They are always eager volunteers when things need to get done - including serving on the 50th anniversary committee.
In the Western Region, Mike & Marcia West worked hard to establish a new Chapter AND RTA unit in Philip. They are pioneers in meshing the meetings of both groups and fostering cooperation on joint projects for both groups. They also took charge of the Targeted Community projects to restore Firehall and Pioneer School parks.
The annual nomination process for the Andrus Award for Community Service opens in April and runs through June. For more information about the Andrus Award for Community Service and the nomination process, contact Leni Healy by email, or by calling 1-866-542-8172.
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