|
| |
Our Grand Royal Matron, H.L. Pat was recently honored in
her community:
Pat Heckmann has been awarded the AARP 2007 Andrus Award for Outstanding
Community Service for Idaho.
The award was presented during the noon meal at the Mountain Home Senior Center,
where Heckmann volunteers her services, particularly during tax time each year.
The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service is an annual awards program
developed to honor individuals whose service is a unique and valuable
contribution to society. The award was named after AARP's founder Dr. Ethel
Percy Andrus.
AARP recognizes 53 outstanding individuals from around the country. The AARP
Andrus Award for Community Service recognizes members and volunteers who,
through volunteer service, are significantly enhancing the lives of individuals
50 and over.
"The award acts as a symbol to members and the public that we can all work
together for positive social change," an AARP spokesperson said. "AARP has long
valued the spirit of volunteering and the important contributions AARP
volunteers make to their communities, neighbors and the programs they serve."
Heckmann is the site coordinator for the AARP Tax-Aide site in Mountain Home.
She has increased community outreach for the free-to-consumers tax filing
program by assisting over 500 individuals in the community and has the fourth
highest record in the state for filing tax returns electronically.
In addition, Heckmann assists seniors and low-income individuals in financial
planning, public assistance and other supportive programs. Heckmann helps
seniors learn about new funding opportunities and was instrumental in finding
funding for a new van for the Mountain Home Senior Center.
Heckmann helps seniors adapt to technology by teaching computer skills. Heckmann
also volunteers for the Masonic Organization by raising funds for diabetic
research and promoting public awareness for diabetes.
In attendance for the presentation, were Mayor Joe B. McNeal and Mayor-Elect Tom
Rist. Representing the AARP was State President Janice Stover, Peggy Munson and
Cathy McDougall, Associate State Director.
McNeal issued a proclamation declaring Dec. 7, Pat Heckmann Day in the city of
Mountain Home and a key to the city,
"As mayor, you rarely get a chance to recognize individuals on their hard work
for this community, today I am honored to read this proclamation for Pat," said
McNeal.
Munson, who will soon be the new President for the AARP following the retirement
of Stover at the end of the year, commended Heckmann on her accomplishments and
awarded Heckmann with a copy of former NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw's book, "The
Greatest Generation Speaks." Brokaw is a former recipient of the Andrus Award.
Ruthada Powell, President of the Senior Center gave a heartfelt speech for
Heckmann,
"She is not only a very special friend, but she is more like a daughter to me. I
am so honored to be nominate Pat for this award because she is so deserving of
this honor," said Powell.
Stover presented Heckmann with the award, and issued a $300 donation from the
AARP in honor of Pat to the Senior Center. Powell addressed the viewing audience
that the Mountain Home Basque Association also donated $500 to the Senior
Center.
The guests commented following the presentation,
"These are small tokens I presented her, but what Pat gives to the community is
so much more," said McNeal.
"This is my first time at this event, but Pat is more than deserving of this
honor. We all should be proud to have people like Pat in our community," said
Rist.
"The event went well, the crowd was good and I think Pat felt truly honored,"
said Stover.
Powell commented on how pleased she was for the event and how worthy Heckmann
was for the award,
"The event went very well, I'm sorry that some of the guests were unable to
attend. Overall I'm very proud of Pat, the fact that she deserved this award,
and that I've been to able to work with Pat for all these years."
Heckmann was very pleased following her award presentation,
"I feel honored to win this award, I didn't expect it, but I do appreciate it. I
just feel so privileged to accept this award, even though there were so many
deserving individuals."
In September, the AARP will commemorating it's 50th anniversary in Washington
D.C.
" Heckmann is a perfect example of Dr. Ethel Percy Andru's vision, "To Serve,
Not Be Served," an AARP spokesperson said.
(side note: also in attendance were H.L. Louise King, PGRM and H.L. Lori
Albright, Grand Marshal, representing Emerald Court #4, Mountain Home, Idaho)
|
The Grand Court of Idaho, Order of the Amaranth