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AARP Maine Announces Winner of 2026 Andrus Award

Honor Goes to Bowdoinham Resident, Grace McCarthy

AARP

Published October 05, 2026

AARP Maine announced on October 6th that Bowdoinham resident, Grace McCarthy, is the winner of the 2026 Andrus Award named in honor of AARP’s founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. The Andrus Award celebrates and honors those who make a difference in the lives of others, and it is the most prestigious and visible award AARP presents each year.

Grace McCarthy’s extraordinary public service actively embodies Dr. Andrus’ motto “To Serve, Not To be Served.”

Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director, stated “The AARP Maine Andrus Award acts as a symbol that every single person can make a difference, and that each person can bring about positive social change. We are deeply proud to be presenting this year’s award to Grace McCarthy, whose record of achievement, service and commitment provides an excellent example of the power of giving back to others.”

Grace McCarthy is one of the lead volunteers for AARP Maine’s educational initiatives to advance awareness about scam and fraud prevention that often target older adults with alarming precision. Together with other volunteers, Grace helped to establish the AARP Maine Speakers Bureau to better reach vulnerable Mainers around the state. This year, Grace spearheaded a unique event entitled “The Scamdemic Up Close” which included national as well as state speakers including Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey who moderated a panel discussion. The program brought over 200 participants together virtually and in person.

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“In giving older Mainers a voice in the fight against scams and fraud, Grace has become a significant part of our community and a key leader on critical advancements as well as local initiatives in Maine,” said Bonam. “She sets herself apart with her generous spirit and dedication to help others above all else.”

A native of Maryland, Grace McCarthy has called Maine home for over 40 years. She served as a law enforcement officer during the 70’s and 80’s and was selected to attend the FBI National Academy. She now continues her commitment to public service by leading efforts across Maine to combat fraud and protect consumers. In addition to her volunteer work with AARP Maine, Grace also volunteers during tax season as a tax preparer with CASH MAINE and serves as an Extraordinary Minister for All Saints Parish Church in Brunswick. She says she has been blessed throughout her lifetime with an encouraging family.

Grace received the Andrus Award at the AARP Maine Annual Meeting held today at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath. “I am deeply honored to receive this award,” she said. “The fraud prevention programs offered by AARP are premium. The entire AARP Maine staff is supportive and encouraging, and they make me feel treasured as a volunteer.”

AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism, and the important contributions AARP volunteers make to their communities, neighbors and the programs they serve. We welcome new volunteers to serve in a variety of roles and hope you will visit us at https://www.aarp.org/states/maine/volunteer/ or call our office at 1-866-554-5380 if you would like to join our volunteer team.