College Point Man Receives AARP NY Andrus Award

Gene Barrett of College Point received the AARP New York Andrus Award for Community Service on November 8.

Gene Barrett of College Point has been selected by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the leading nonprofit membership organization for people 50 and over, to receive the New York 2006 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, the association's most prestigious and visible volunteer award for community service. This award symbolizes that individuals have the power and ability to make a difference in the lives of others.

AARP New York selected Barrett for his remarkable service and for the impact he's had on the lives of others and on his community. Since becoming an AARP volunteer in 1996, Barrett has served as a tireless advocate for AARP members and prospective members and quickly became an expert for AARP New York on retirement security. His command of this issue enabled him to become a media spokesperson, public speaker and citizen lobbyist. Barrett has fought to preserve Social Security and improve the lives of older New Yorkers and has inspired other AARP members and volunteers to become involved and take action.

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service recognizes members and volunteers who, through volunteer

service, are significantly enhancing the lives of individuals age 50 and over. The award was formally presented to Barrett at a ceremony on November 8 at the Jing Fong Restaurant in Manhattan's Chinatown.

"This award acts as a symbol to members and the public that we can all work together for positive social change," Lois Aronstein, AARP New York state director, said. "AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions AARP volunteers make to their communities, neighbors and the programs they serve."

Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed and inspire others to volunteer.

The AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50 and over to have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. The association produces AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly, a monthly newspaper, AARP Bulletin, AARP Segunda Juventud, a bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, a quarterly newsletter for educators; age 50 and over and a Web site, AARP.org. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. The AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.