Jackson man honored for volunteerism

~ Twenty-five people were nominated among 46 AARP chapters in the state for the award.

Sunny beaches and an easy chair haven't been in Robert Harper's retirement plans for the last 20 years. Instead, he's logged in thousands of hours as a volunteer among numerous organizations. At 78, he shows no signs of slowing down.

The Jackson resident is like the Energizer Bunny of volunteerism, said Laverne Nothdurft, chapter president of the local AARP. Harper's commitment inspired the entire board of the local AARP chapter to nominate him for the AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, which recognizes one volunteer or member from each state.

The AARP will present Harper with the statewide award at a dinner today at 5:30 p.m. in the Drury Lodge.

As a fellow tax aide with the AARP Tax Program, Nothdurft witnessed Harper's devotion three years ago when he was coordinator for a tax training conference. His arthritis was inflamed, she said, and he told her, "I'm getting too old, and I can't just keep doing this."

Today, Harper volunteers an average of 60 hours a month, clocking in the most hours during tax season.

"His mind and his thinking overrides the negative in his life," Nothdurft said.

About 25 people were nominated among the 46 chapters in the state, Nothdurft said. The Andrus Award was established in 2002 in honor of the founder Ethel Percy Andrus, and Ilena Aslin of Cape Girardeau was the first in Missouri to receive it.

"I think he's made a powerful contribution to the community," Aslin said. "He has improved the quality of life for seniors."

For 22 years, Harper has divided his time between the AARP Tax-Aide and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program through the IRS. Both offer free assistance to seniors, low-income and handicapped. Harper said that he doesn't mind the complicated tax forms and the gruelling hours.

"Especially if they get some money back, a smile on their faces helps," he said. He also enjoys volunteering for the Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon and as an instructor in the AARP Safe Driving Program.

Harper began his busy life at 14, he said, when he delivered newspapers for the Southeast Missourian. He played trumpet for his high school and Southeast Missouri State University. He was an assistant registrar at Southeast Missouri State University for 20 years until he retired in December 1987. For 50 years he played in the Cape Girardeau Municipal Band and remains the active treasurer. The American Red Cross, Veterans Home and Food Pantry are among the organizations he currently participates in.

As long as his health allows, Harper said that he will volunteer.

"I just could not see myself after retirement sitting in a chair and watching TV all the time," he said. "I figured, there's a lot of people who need help."

jmetelski@semissourian.com