Pittsburgh-area volunteers recognized

AARP staff and volunteers recently gathered to celebrate the contributions of local Pittsburgh-area volunteers. John Sparvero (right) was awarded the 2018 AARP Pennsylvania Andrus Award for Community Service—AARP’s most prestigious volunteer award.

Named for AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, the award goes to an outstanding individual who is making the community better in ways that are consistent with AARP’s mission, vision and commitment to volunteer service, and who inspires others to volunteer. What makes this award special is the winner is nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of AARP volunteers right here in Pennsylvania.

John certainly exemplifies AARP’s mission to enhance the quality of life for everyone as we age. He has served as a Driver Safety instructor here since 1999 and has trained many others to become instructors as well. He’s been a member of the Dormont chapter since 2000, including serving two years as the chapter president. He and his wife Rose also staff AARP’s presence at many Allegheny County legislative health fairs every year, and they help with local movies for grownups events. And he testified before the state House Transportation Committee back in 2010 advocating for comprehensive transportation planning that provides accessible, safe, and affordable choices for older residents.

John’s commitment to the community extends well beyond his work with AARP. The former high school teacher previously served 14 years on a local school board, was a member of the Dormont Borough planning committee, and currently serves on the board of the local ambulance association. He is also a long time volunteer at Ohio Valley Hospital in McKees Rocks and is very active with his church.

The bottom line is John is an outstanding leader who has inspired many others to contribute to the impressive advocacy and community outreach work being done by this team of volunteers. He is a very worthy recipient of this award!