Thursday, March 23, 2023

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A proposed flavored tobacco ban is back on the table in Minnesota, Trump attorney Evan Corcoran must testify in the documents probe, and a "clean slate" bill in Missouri would make "expungement" automatic.

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The Fed raises interest rates and reassures the banking system is sound, Norfolk Southern reaffirms a commitment to the people of East Palestine, and TikTok creators gather at the Capitol to support free expression.

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Finding childcare is a struggle everywhere, prompting North Carolina's Transylvania County to try a new approach. Maine is slowly building-out broadband access, but disagreements remain over whether local versus national companies should get the contracts, and specialty apps like "Farmers Dating" help those in small communities connect online.

Award Highlights Important Role of Volunteering in OR

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Monday, December 19, 2022   

An Oregon woman who helps people with their taxes has won a prestigious award for volunteers.

AARP Oregon has awarded the 2022 Andrus Award for Community Service to Kathy Goeddel, a volunteer who has worked with the AARP Tax-Aide program for three decades.

The program helps people with low incomes and older Oregonians prepare their tax returns for free each year. Michael Schultz is state volunteer president for AARP Oregon.

"Having met Kathy on several occasions," said Schultz, "I've just been very impressed with how she motivates people by her example as a lead volunteer, and she's always the first to step forward to get things done."

About 43% of Oregonians volunteer - according to AmeriCorps, which is the third highest rate in the country. The annual value of Oregonians' volunteer service is estimated at $4.2 billion.

Schultz said he's worked in the nonprofit sector and knows volunteers are a critical piece of their work.

"Volunteers are the authentic voice of what we're trying to achieve with our mission and vision," said Schultz. "They have the stories to tell that staff can't tell but the volunteer can tell."

The Andrus Award for Community Service is named after AARP founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus.



Disclosure: AARP Oregon contributes to our fund for reporting on Consumer Issues, Health Issues, Livable Wages/Working Families, Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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