AARP Honors 2020 Andrus Award Finalists, Recognizes Volunteers’ Outstanding Community Service

The 2020 Andrus Awards and Volunteer Celebration virtually honored Oklahomans age 50-plus for their dedicated volunteer work across the state. The Andrus Award is named in honor of AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus and is the highest honor presented by AARP. To view the virtual celebration, visit https://www.facebook.com/AARPOK/.

New this year, the Andrus Award honoree received a $3,000 contribution, which AARP will donate to the winner's nonprofit of choice. The two honorees of distinction will direct a $1,000 donation to an eligible nonprofit by AARP.

The 2020 Andrus Award was presented to Elaine Johns of Enid.

• Elaine Johns - For the past 20 years, Elaine Johns has been the driving force behind the Woodring Wall of Honor and Veterans Park in Enid. The Wall of Honor includes an 80 percent sized replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall, eight living walls with names of thousands of Oklahoma veterans and the M. L. Becker Learning Center. Mrs. Johns’ dedication to the Wall of Honor’s mission to “remember, honor, educate, and heal” is inspirational. She also coordinates the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day services, which typically draw thousands of attendees. She is a tireless ambassador for veterans’ needs and accomplishments. Her dedication and determination established the Woodring Wall of Honor and Veterans Park as a place to learn  and honor our veterans and celebrate those who pledged their lives to our country.

The honorees of distinction are Martin Abbott of Shawnee and Carolyn Rodgers of Duncan.

• Martin Abbott - Since retiring from Tinker Air Force Base, Martin Abbott has dedicated his life to fighting food insecurity in Pottawatomie and Seminole counties. He volunteers four days a week at the Community Market of Pottawatomie County, where he helps manage the retail rescue program and secures product donation. Over the last four years, Mr. Abbott’s dedicated service is evident with the growth in donations to a staggering 700,000 pounds per year. For those facing food insecurity, this equals 583,000 meals. His selfless service is a constant source of inspiration and his actions are impactful and intentional. Many in the community service program come from rough backgrounds where they have been forgotten or mistreated. Mr. Abbott builds their self‐esteem through constant encouragement. Whether it is through a meal or a kind word, Mr. Abbott changes lives daily.

• Carolyn Rodgers - In the 20 years Carolyn Rodgers has called Duncan home, she has gifted her time and energy to numerous beautification projects. She created and chairs the Color Duncan Beautiful and Duncan Enhancement Trust Authority. Her vision and drive resulted in Duncan being officially named “Crape Myrtle Capital of Oklahoma,” adding four new city “Welcome” signs and a mural on the historic Palace Theatre.  She also volunteers with Main Street Duncan, the American Music Festival, Trail Dance Film Festival, Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation, Duncan Chamber of Commerce, Duncan Little Theatre, Duncan Art Guild and Chisholm Trail Arts Council. Ms. Rodgers is always the first to roll up her sleeves. Every spring, you’ll find her trimming crape myrtles throughout Duncan. Ms. Rodgers’ passion has, undoubtedly, made Duncan a more beautiful place.

The Andrus Award finalists include the Honorable Jerry Bass of Edmond, Billie Jean Floyd of Ada, Francoise Reynolds of Shawnee, Kay Ross of Oklahoma City, Tom Terry of Shawnee and Janet Thompson of Tulsa.  

• Honorable Jerry Bass - A decade ago, the honorable Jerry Bass accepted a new docket assignment and, as a result, changed the course of countless lives. His new assignment, ReMerge, is a comprehensive diversion program designed to keep women in the community and out of prison. The program offers evidence- based treatment, recovery and hope. Although Judge Bass retired six years ago, he continues to supervise the docket without compensation. He recognizes the impact ReMerge has in breaking the intergenerational cycle of incarceration and poverty. The services result in a lower number of repeat offenses, higher rates of family reunification and long-term success within the community. Judge Bass puts his heart into this role, and thanks to his dedication and unwavering commitment, hope is restored.

• Billie Jean Floyd- Billie Jean Floyd is a longtime educator, former Oklahoma state senator, and civic leader known as a person who “gets things done.” She established the first Special Olympic Games in Oklahoma, developed one of the first American Red Cross swimming programs in our state and co-founded the Pontotoc County Animal Welfare Society. She worked to preserve historical landmarks in Ada such as the Campbell Cabin and the Little Red School House and established driving and walking tours of Ada. Mrs. Floyd was instrumental in encouraging seniors to provide input and support for the new Ada Senior Citizens Center and serves on the Mercy Hospital Community Wellness committee. Currently, Mrs. Floyd is advocating to save the Southern Oklahoma Nutrition Program homebound meal service. At 90, Mrs. Floyd’s accomplishments, energy and enthusiasm remind us to follow her lead as a "doer" and not just a "talker."

• Francoise Reynolds - Francoise Reynolds volunteers with the Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County to restore community through intentional relationships. A lifelong resident, she works to deepen community connections through visibility and interactions. Mrs. Reynolds became reacquainted with longtime neighbors, built new relationships and hosted a block party. House by house, Mrs. Reynolds makes an impact in her community. Her tireless work earned this humble volunteer the Mister Rogers award for being a good neighbor. Mrs. Reynolds is determined to leave her neighborhood better than she found it decades ago.

• Kay Ross - Kay Ross has been a volunteer driver for Provide‐A‐Ride and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Central Oklahoma every week for 20 years. Over the last two decades, she has driven nearly 300 seniors to medical appointments. Ms. Ross is an active member of St. Matthews United Methodist Church of Midwest City. She delivers meals to church members and volunteers with the homeless ministry. Ms. Ross is also epitomizing resiliency. She survived a brutal home invasion four years ago. Following the attack, Ms. Ross was more determined than ever to continue living her life and helping others. She quickly resumed her volunteer activities and credited them with helping her heal. Each day, this remarkable lady demonstrates compassion, commitment and courage to all who meet her.

• Tom Terry - Tom Terry is considered a hometown treasure in Shawnee. He chooses, every day, to live his life with intention, care, and kindness. Mr. Terry’s dedication to the Shawnee Beautification committee is evident for all to see as he devotes his energy and talent to making Shawnee a beautiful place to live. In addition to tending to numerous parks, this master gardener is also known for his “guerilla gardening.” If Mr. Terry spots a weed or two outside a business, he pulls it. Ever a humble gentleman, Mr. Terry once refused to allow the city to name a park after him. Even so, locals refer to Native Grasses Park as Tom Terry Park. This year, he also organized an event to honor the 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement. Mr. Terry is an exceptional example of living with purpose and passion. As a close friend said, “The world needs more Tom Terrys.”

• Janet Thompson - Janet Thompson is a kind and generous lady who volunteers countless hours at the Agape Bible Fellowship food pantry. She coordinates drivers to pick up donated food and leads a team of dedicated volunteers. Each week, Mrs. Thompson’s team serves at least 100 people. When the pandemic began, she spearheaded a drive-thru service to ensure those in need continued to be served. Mrs. Thompson treats everyone she encounters with dignity and respect. Because of her, the food pantry is a place where people may visit and know they will never be judged. She works tirelessly to care for others and fight food insecurity. Her community is blessed by her humble and giving spirit.

Longtime volunteer Wayne Blackmon received the Legacy Award for his dedication and valuable contribution to society.

• Wayne Blackmon - Mr. Blackmon has served as a vital member of the AARP Oklahoma executive council for six years. He is also the lead volunteer for the AARP Oklahoma Fraud Watch Network. His presentations empower and educate local citizens about frauds and scams. Mr. Blackmon strongly advocates for consumer issues which impact the lives of Oklahomans 50-plus. Veterans issues and outreach are also a priority for Mr. Blackmon and his wife, Marilyn.

The AARP Tax-Aide Volunteer of the Year is Byron Bowman and awarded the AARP Drivers Safety Volunteer of the Year to Frank Houck.

• Byron Bowman - During this challenging year, Mr. Bowman stepped up in a phenomenal way. He served as both district coordinator and a Tax-Aide volunteer. Once COVID-19 hit our state, his exceptional standard of volunteerism shined brightest when he agreed to become the regional coordinator of the Virtual Taxpayer Assistance program.  He oversaw the direction and deployment of the program and coordinated volunteers for a seven state region. He accomplished this while reopening an in- person Tax-Aide site in Lawton.

• Frank Houck - Mr. Houck serves as both the Oklahoma deputy state coordinator and district coordinator. Mr. Houck mentors five instructors while coordinating classes in the Grove area.  He consistently and selflessly goes above and beyond to help his instructors and others in the community. 

Also, the Pittsburg County chapter and Northeast Oklahoma City chapter received Chapter Excellence awards.

AARP Oklahoma state director Sean Voskuhl said, “Although the pandemic continues to create a sense of uncertainty, AARP and Oklahoma volunteers continue to rise to the occasion and help Oklahomans live their best lives.” 

AARP Oklahoma state president Joe Ann Vermillion praised the volunteers’ innovation and creativity during the pandemic. She also shared a favorite n Audrey Hepburn quote, “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” 

To view the virtual celebration, visit https://www.facebook.com/AARPOK/.