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"Everybody can be great because everybody can serve." Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
AARP DC volunteer Jay Thal is a 2018 Community Cornerstone Award recipient. He's lived in DC for over 50 years and has been serving his community for just as long.
Councilmember Anita Bonds and the Third Annual Community Cornerstone Awards
The Community Cornerstone Award was established to publicly recognize community builders throughout the District of Columbia. These are people who make this city a better place to live through their thoughts, words, and deeds.
On February 8 th Councilmember Anita Bonds presented Jay Thal with a Community Cornerstone Award. This annual event gives everyone—leaders, neighbors, friends, businesses, and organizations—an opportunity to be recognized for their contributions and positive impact on the lives of District residents.
“I met Jay Thal through his participation with my affordable housing working group, where he stands out as an effective advocate for tenant rights and affordable housing initiatives. His experience and persistence have helped us develop several policies to benefit DC residents and I'm honored to name him a Community Cornerstone," stated At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds.
Who is Jay Thal?
AARP DC’s Ward 3 Liaison, Jay Thal, has been a volunteer leader with us for less than a year but for most of his life, he's been an outspoken and tireless advocate for improving the lives of others. Jay moved to the District over 50 years ago to join the newly established Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). His federal career included working to protect financially distressed families from foreclosure, and serving on a task force that initiated programs to support permanent housing options for homeless persons with disabilities.
For 29 years he was a leader in one of Ward 3's leading Scouting Troops. sJay also served as an Election Precinct Captain for over 20 years, and more recently as an Early Voting Coordinator for Ward 3. His late wife of 50 years, Lorraine, and he became disability advocates (she a national leader) after one son was born with disabilities.
The depth of his commitment to the betterment of others is rare and inspiring. When asked what he thought about receiving this recognition from Councilmember Bonds, he responded, “Oh. I was surprised.” We at AARP DC were not.
He is a stalwart advocate and leader, and we are thankful for his enduring commitment to 50+ in the District.
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