Weare resident Beverly Cotton is this year’s AARP NH Andrus Award for Community Service recipient. Courtesy photo/AARP New Hampshire

CONCORD – AARP New Hampshire hosted more than 100 volunteers at a celebratory lunch at the Derryfield Country Club in Manchester. The most prestigious volunteer award, the Andrus Award for Community Service, was presented to Wear resident Beverly Cotton.

The AARP New Hampshire Andrus Award for Community Service honors Granite Staters over the age of 50 who make a powerful difference in their communities. Nominations are evaluated by AARP New Hampshire based on how the volunteer’s work has improved the community, supported AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers. The award is named after AARP founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, an educator and champion of aging.

Cotton enjoyed a long career in the financial field before being diagnosed with cancer. At that time, she resigned from the workforce, battled through treatment and recovery and discovered a new path.

In 2018, Cotton began her volunteer advocacy work with AARP NH’s Capital City Task Force and then quickly added to her volunteer work by taking on a co-captain role for the 2020 presidential primary and general election, co-lead for the Greater Concord Planning Team and Speakers Bureau member.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cotton quickly stepped up as a virtual volunteer, becoming proficient in Zoom so that AARP could pivot and continue our important work. Her volunteering extends beyond AARP. She’s a state ambassador for CD-2 and works closely with the American Cancer Society Action Network.

Over the years, Cotton has proven herself as a strong Granite State volunteer and advocate. Since joining CCTF, she’s helped pass state law, reduced insulin prices, built relationships with elected officials, and fostered friendships with AARP staff and volunteers.

“It’s become who I am,” said Cotton. “You always have a little more capacity than you think you do and you can always fit one more thing in. This experience has just been a wonderful opportunity that I didn’t expect.”

AARP NH also honored the following volunteers at the award celebration:

-Advocacy Volunteer of the Year: Guy Chapdelaine of Bedford

-Driver Safety NH Golden Key Award: Nancy Hacking of Canterbury

-Tax-Aide Volunteer of the Year: Victoria Laforet of Amherst

-Speakers Bureau Volunteer of the Year: James Schultz of New London

-President’s Award: Catherine Arnault of Nottingham