AARP Volunteer Receives Top Award

As Chittenden County’s district coordinator for the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, Philip Soltau, 77, is this year’s recipient of the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service in Vermont.

Soltau, of South Burlington, has been a dedicated Tax-Aide volunteer for roughly a decade. After a career in financial services, Soltau each year has offered free tax-filing assistance, helping Vermonters receive the credits and deductions they are due.

The award, named after AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, is AARP’s highest state-level honor for volunteer service.

“Philip’s dedication to helping the most vulnerable among us truly embodies the spirit of service that Dr. Andrus envisioned,” says Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont state director.

This year, Soltau’s team of 57 volunteers prepared roughly 1,900 tax returns for residents.

AARP Vermont will host an open house for prospective volunteers on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 1 p.m. Find out more at events.aarp.org/VolunteerVermont26.