Madeline Holdorf, the former statewide volunteer president for AARP, was honored with the Ron Hammett Award, which recognizes individuals whose outstanding service, dedication and leadership has had a significant impact on the quality of life for seniors in the Municipality of Anchorage. The luncheon, part of Older Americans Month, was held May 6. Jim Bailey, chair of the Anchorage Senior Citizens Advisory Commission, is behind her.
There is a throughline in Madeline Holdorf's life.
Holdorf, the former volunteer statewide AARP president, received the Ron Hammett from the Municipality of Anchorage Senior Citizens Advisory Commission on May 6.
When she graduated from high school more than 60 years ago, she received the outstanding service award.
"It takes my breath away, actually," said Holdorf in a conversation after the award ceremony, held at the Anchorage Senior Activities Center.
"In my retirement and when I had a career, I find time to look more deeply into issues of importance to myself and my peers," she said.
"I'm always looking for opportunities for moving things forward in a fair way for all people to have opportunities to live their lives as they wish."
Holdorf, who studied sociology and has a master's degree in education, worked in several fields, from public school education to nonprofit administrative work. She and her twin brother learned volunteerism from their mother, she said. Nowadays she is commissioner on the Anchorage Senior Citizens Advisory Commission (which separately considered this award).
The Municipality's Senior Citizens Advisory Commission established the Ron Hammett Award in 2005, recognizing individuals whose outstanding service, dedication and leadership has had a significant impact on the quality of life for seniors in the Municipality of Anchorage. At the time of his death on October 24, 2004, Hammett was a commissioner for the SCAC.
Hammett was a World War II veteran and served in the occupation of Japan. Hammett spent his professional career in Oregon and Alaska, primarily in the field of vocational rehabilitation and health services. After his arrival in Alaska in 1976, he became involved with Bean's Café, the Boys and Girls Club, and other boards and commissions that addressed human needs.
To nominate a person for this honor next spring, access the nomination form here. It has a mid-April deadline.
