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PORTLAND — Sammee Quong, of Augusta, is the winner of the 2019 Andrus Award, AARP Maine recently announced.
The award is named in honor of AARP’s founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, and it celebrates and honors individuals who make a difference in the lives of others. It is the most prestigious and visible award AARP can present to an individual, a news release from the organization said.
Quong’s extraordinary public service actively embodies Andrus’ motto “To Serve, Not To be Served,” the release said.
“The AARP Maine Andrus Award acts as a symbol to our members and to the public that we can all work together for positive social change,” said Pat Pinto, AARP Maine Volunteer state president. “We are deeply proud to be presenting this year’s award to Sammee Quong whose record of achievement, service and commitment provides an excellent example of one person making a significant difference in the lives of others.”
Quong is an active member of the Augusta Age-Friendly Committee and she recognized early on that one of the desires of local residents was the opportunity to engage socially. She spent a career as a nurse caring for those in need. Today, she fosters community, bringing people of all ages together to learn, advocate and have fun.
In just one example, Quong started a monthly coffee “klatch” at Lisa’s Restaurant and Catering and a monthly On-tap at the Black and Tan, where residents can meet, talk and learn about programs, services and engagement opportunities in the area. Quong also initiated a weekly walk on the Kennebec River Rail Trail, as she says, “to engage AARP members for companionship, conversation, physical exercise and to embrace nature.”
Most recently, Quong organized the first intergenerational “paddle fest” on the Kennebec River this summer. Almost 100 local boating enthusiasts participated along with community leaders, members of law enforcement and municipal staff. As Quong said, “From grade school children with their families, to teenagers and octogenarians – it was truly intergenerational!”
Quong is chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Viles Arboretum and is a champion of many environmental causes. She is also a frequent participant in AARP Maine’s Tuesdays at the State House program. During the legislative session, she joins a group of activists and volunteers who meet with legislators, attend committee hearings and testify on issues of concern to Mainers 50-plus.
“Sammee is a tireless and highly impactful volunteer across a spectrum of tasks that she performs on behalf of our state office,” said Pinto. “She serves on our Advisory Council and never hesitates to offer her time and talents on behalf of others. It is our great privilege to know her and to work with her.”
AARP Maine staff, volunteers and local members celebrated Quong at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lewiston during the annual volunteer recognition celebration with her family and friends in attendance. Quong has two children, Kymberlie and Nicholas, and two grandsons, Elliot and Campbell.
AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions AARP volunteers make to their communities, neighbors and the programs they serve. It welcoms new volunteers to serve in a variety of roles with AARP Maine.
