Ignite the Power Celebration Celebrates Community Service
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-01-05 13:15:12.165068-05:00
Each year, AARP Delaware honors an individual who demonstrates "The Power to Make It Better" by sharing his or her experience, talent and skills to enrich the lives of others and their communities.
Richard Ornauer, Associate State Coordinator of the AARP Driver Safety Program, has been selected to receive the 2006 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association's most prestigious volunteer award.
How does one individual have "The Power to Make It Better"?
Just ask Ted Ressler, AARP Driver Safety Program Regional Coordinator and former Andrus honoree, who nominated Richard for the award.
"There are two types of people—those who come into a room and say 'well, here I am' and those who come in and say, 'ah, there you are,'" Ressler paraphrased. "Richard is one of the latter, and that's why he's been such a popular instructor with our program."
Such a loyal following is confirmed by the fact that Ornauer has taught more AARP Driver Safety Program classes in Delaware than any other instructor to date. He has been championing the driver refresher program for 17 years.
As a practicing communications professional for more than 50 years, Ornauer also brought a wealth of expertise to help AARP Delaware continue to raise awareness about the work of AARP and the Delaware State Office as the Executive Council Member for Communications for three years. He has also served as an active leader and member of the Dover Area AARP Chapter 721 since 1992.
The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service recognizes members and volunteers who, through volunteer service, are enhancing members' lives in the areas of health and wellness, economic security and work, life transition issues and personal enrichment.
The award was formally presented to Ornauer during the Annual AARP Delaware "Ignite the Power" Celebration & Luncheon Dec. 8 at Dover Downs. Nearly 200 of AARP's volunteers from the AARP Driver Safety Program, AARP Tax-Aide program, Delaware Money Management Program, AARP Delaware Legislative Advocates, AARP Chapter Officers and community partners attended the early afternoon event.
"This award serves as a symbol to members and the public that we can, as individuals, have 'The power to make it better.' as we serve our communities," noted AARP Delaware State President Rita Landgraf, who will officially present the award along with AARP Board of Directors member and former AARP Delaware State President, Richard Johnson and State Director Lucretia Young.
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