Chicopee Resident Bob Mashia Receives Top AARP Honor

By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2003-11-26 16:03:00-05:00

AARP Andrus Award for Community Service

AARP Massachusetts selected Robert D. Mashia of Chicopee as the recipient of the association's most prestigious volunteer award, the 2003 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service. AARP Massachusetts State President Walt Sanders presented Mashia with the award Nov. 6 during a luncheon ceremony at The Delaney House in Holyoke. Mayor Richard Kos of Chicopee and a representative from the office of State Senator Michael Knapik were among guests at the event.

Service to the Community

Citing Mashia's broad range of volunteer service, Sanders said, "In selecting Bob to receive the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, we recognize the powerful difference he has made in his community, helping others in the areas of health and wellness, economic security and life transitions."

"Here in Massachusetts and across the nation, recipients of the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, through volunteerism, enhanced the lives of AARP members and their families, bettered their communities and inspired others to volunteer," Sanders said.

AARP Chicopee Chapter #4567

Mashia currently serves as president of the AARP Chicopee Chapter #4567, a volunteer position. The chapter's vice president, James Tillotson of Chicopee, nominated Mashia for the AARP award. He described Mashia as "hard-working, optimistic and concerned for others," saying that Mashia epitomizes the AARP motto, "to serve and not to be served."

Money Management

A long-time volunteer, Mashia has focused a great deal of time and energy helping those in the Chicopee area. In particular, he provides invaluable one-on-one assistance to older persons by volunteering with the Money Management program, through WestMass Elder Care. Each month, Mashia visits an older person in the community, goes to the bank for this person, pays the individual's bills and provides financial guidance.

Volunteer Service

In addition to this direct service, Mashia volunteers for many other organizations, including the Monsanto Employees Credit Union, the Kiwanis Club of Chicopee, the Pioneer Valley Girl Scout Council and several Boy Scout Councils. He is also active in his church.

Selection Committee

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service is given annually to one AARP member in every state. The selection committee this year included Walt Sanders, AARP Massachusetts State President; Kara Cohen, AARP Massachusetts Community Service Director; Judy Goggin, AARP Executive Council Member for community service; Kurt Czarnowski of the Social Security Administration; and Rick Fox, AARP volunteer.

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