John Rosenberg received the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service during a special ceremony in his honor held at the East Kentucky Science Center on Thursday..
The Andrus Award for Community Service is the highest volunteer recognition awarded by AARP. The award recognizes volunteers who, through community service, are enhancing the lives of AARP members in the areas of health, wellness, economic security, work, life transition issues and community service.
“We have 19 members from the AARP Jenny Wiley Chapter in attendance,” said Jane Bond, president of the AARP Jenny Wiley Chapter. “They are here because we love John so much. I can’t think of anybody else who would be more deserving of this award.”
After accepting the award, Rosenberg, 79, spoke to the large crowd about the importance of AARP and working together in the community.
“When you get a group of people together who are willing to engage in an important activity, good things can happen,” Rosenberg said.
Nelda Barnett, president of AARP Kentucky, lauded Rosenberg’s achievements as both an attorney and for his work with AARP.
“John has helped countless numbers of disadvantaged Kentuckians,” Barnett said. “He is an inspiration to us all.”
Along with receiving the Andrus Award, Rosenberg was also honored with a proclamation from Judge-Executive R.D. “Doc” Marshall designating Oct. 21 as John M. Rosenberg Day in Floyd County. The proclamation was presented by Floyd County Clerk Chris Waugh.
“We’re very proud of you, John,” Waugh said. “You’re one of us and you represent us very well.”
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear also honored Rosenberg with an acclamation recognizing his accomplishments. The acclamation was read by Kentucky Court of Appeals Judge Janet Stumbo.
“I could stand up here and talk about John and what he has meant to me, the legal community and Kentucky for two hours and not even repeat myself,” Stumbo said.
Brett Davis, executive director of LINKS, echoed the sentiments of all those in attendance.
“John is a scholar and a gentleman,” Davis said. “He is a tremendous human being.”
Congratulations.