Billie Ann Myers Receives AARP Arkansas’s Top Volunteer Award

Billie Ann Myers, the 2009 AARP Arkansas Andrus Award recipient, inspired and challenged the volunteers who work with her on behalf of AARP Arkansas , during two terms as the state’s AARP president. She served well as AARP Arkansas spokesperson, discussing myriad issues with the news media. She testified before legislative committees, leading our battle against payday lending and helping pass bills for long term health care choices. She helped fill the state capitol with 750 members and friends in red t-shirts to introduce AARP’s legislative agenda. She led the state’s pilot project to create home-like, long-term care environments using the Eden alternative principles. The National AARP Office, citing her leadership abilities, appointed Billie Ann AARP’s Regional Director for a ten state area. Her willingness to take on difficult and multiple tasks and see them through to completion has been justly recognized by the many awards for outstanding volunteerism.

Her civic work as chair of the Junction Bridge Board of Directors has improved the health and livability of cities in Pulaski County and economic development throughout the state. A former director of the state Office of Volunteerism, Billie Ann is often called “the First Lady of Volunteerism in Arkansas.”

AARP Arkansas awarded Curtis Lohrding of Bella Vista its 2009 Distinguished Service Award for his remarkable service and for the impact he has on the lives of others in his community. Curtis is the co-coordinator of the Bella Vista Recycling Center. The Recycling Center processed and sold over 2,905 tons of material in one year, resulting in 5.8 million pounds of recyclables that were not deposited in land fills. His 1,784 hours of service contributed to a profit of more than $308,000 that was used to give grants to non-profit organizations in Bella Vista and surrounding communities. Some of the grant recipients included an adult day care facility, a children’s shelter, a library, an ambulance service and a health education center.

The AARP Distinguished Service Award for Community Service recognizes members and volunteers who, through volunteer service, are significantly enhancing the lives of individuals age 50 and over.

Both the Andrus and the Distinguished Service Awards were formally presented at a luncheon ceremony at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Little Rock on September 24, 2009.

Also nominated for this year’s AARP volunteer awards were George Alter of Bella Vista, Jack and Virgie Barfield of Hot Springs, Alice Branson of Dumas, Wade F. Callicutt of West Memphis, Ron Dupler of Horseshoe Beds, and G. “Jack” Sherrill of Hot Springs Village.

“The spirit of volunteerism these outstanding volunteers exemplify helps AARP live up to its goal of helping people live better lives,” says Maria Reynolds-Diaz, AARP state director.