PORTLAND — Joyce and Carl Bucciantini, of Greene, have been named the 2021 Andrus Award winners by AARP, the organization announced.
The award is name for AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus and honors those who make a difference in the lives of others. It is the most prestigious and visible award AARP presents, the organization said in a news release.
“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 Noel Bonman, Maine state director. “We are deeply proud to be presenting this year’s award to Joyce and Carl Bucciantini, whose record of achievement, service and commitment provides an excellent example of the power of giving back to others.”
The AARP Maine Andrus Award Committee received multiple nominations for the Bucciantinis, all of which noted their positive influence among their fellow volunteers.
Both Bucciantinis have a history in education. Carl taught grades three and four in Dexter, Garland and Exeter for 10 years before he became was elementary and middle school counselor in the Auburn School Department for 21 years. He is on the board of directors and executive committee of Maine Education Association Retired and is a member of the AARP Maine Volunteer Executive Council.
Joyce was an elementary enrichment volunteer coordinator for six years in Seward, Alaska, then, for 20 years, an Auburn middle school language arts teacher, She is a tutor and tutor trainer for Androscoggin Literacy Volunteers and chairs the Delta Kappa Gamma Read to Me program in the Lewiston-Auburn.
The couple met while working at Auburn Middle School and married in 2007. Their blended family includes four adult children and four grandchildren.
They are dedicated volunteers with AARP Maine, hosting Lewiston-Auburn coffee klatches, virtual On-Taps, legislative roundtable discussions and are members of the all-volunteer AARP Maine Tuesdays at the State House corps.
AARP Maine staff, volunteers and local members celebrated the Bucciantinis during the annual volunteer recognition celebration, held as a virtual event this year.
AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions AARP volunteers make to communities, neighbors and the programs they serve. For information, visit aarp.org/me.
