Anyone can nominate a Michigan resident over age 50 for one of AARP’s most prestigious awards, but it must be done by Friday.

The Andrus Awards are named after AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus, and they are presented to people over 50 whose work represents outstanding community service. Michigan’s nomination deadline is Sept. 15.

Karen Kafantaris, associate state director of AARP Michigan, said the perfect nominee would be someone who’s made a significant impact on their local community, in ways following AARP’s vision and purpose.

“We have had a number of great winners in the past who have volunteered creating food banks, created clothing banks, created mentoring programs for youth,” Kafantaris outlined. “People who have worked across the state, working to defeating hate. So, we have had a great range of winners.”

The nominees do not have to be AARP members, but they do have to be older adults. Their community service must be done on a volunteer basis, completely unpaid, and cannot be partisan or political. Nominations forms are online at AARP’s website.

Kafantaris pointed out last year’s winner, Carl Kentner of Lansing, is a U.S. Navy veteran and was 100 years old when he received his Andrus Award.

“Mr. Kentner was a volunteer Michigan State Capitol tour guide for 25 years,” Kafantaris explained. “They get about 100,000 visitors a year for tours. He talked with students and adult visitors equally, and he was able to connect with them.”

Typically, the Andrus honors are presented at a banquet-style event known as the “Shining Star Awards,” but this year, Kafantaris said AARP Michigan has something different planned. She added the new plan will be shared later this fall.