Bellingham Resident Receives Statewide AARP Award for Community Service
By: State: Washington | Source: aarp.org
Bellingham resident Marian Yunghans has been selected by AARP to receive Washington State's 2008 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious and visible volunteer award for community service. The award recognizes individuals who, through volunteer service, are significantly enhancing the lives of people age 50 and over.
AARP Washington selected Yunghans for her remarkable service and for the impact she’s had on the lives of others and on her community. A retired teacher, Yunghans taught in Nigeria, Sri Lanka, India, Germany and Bellingham. She also established a school for the deaf in Ibadan, Nigeria, which continues to this day. Upon retirement she championed the cause of seniors by serving as Advisory Board President of the Bellingham Senior & Activity Center, columnist for senior issues with the Bellingham Herald, and editor of Pacific Northwest Retirement Magazine.
As a Red Cross volunteer, Yunghans taught safety classes to the community and worked with the Bellingham Police Force. She answered calls to serve during floods, fires, hurricanes and 9/11. She also served as Public Information Officer for the local fire district, and established a disaster preparedness committee in her community.
"The American Red Cross has benefited from the talents and skills of many great volunteers - and Marian was one of the best," said Maureen Enegran, Executive Director, Mt. Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross. "She personified the Red Cross values of accountability, collaboration, commitment and humanitarianism."
Yunghans has also held a number of volunteer positions with AARP, including AARP Driver Safety Program Instructor and State Communications Specialist. She is currently serving as AARP Tax-Aide State Coordinator, overseeing all AARP Tax-Aide operations in the state. Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed recognized Marian’s vast contributions to the community in a 2003 televised ceremony in Bellingham.
"It's a rare and high privilege to be in a position to help people understand the difference they can make, not only in their own lives, but in the lives of others by simply giving of themselves," said Yunghans. "Volunteering is a life changing experience and a symbol of power than can move the world."
"AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve," says AARP State President John Barnett. "Marian’s dedication to community service is a symbol to us all that we can work together for positive social change."
For more information about award recipients in other states, and to find out how you can nominate someone for next year's award, visit aarp.org/makeadifference/volunteer.
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