Community Corner
Montclair Senior Advocate Earns Award From AARP For Volunteerism
"My hope has always been to help make a tangible difference in the lives of those who might otherwise have been left behind."
MONTCLAIR, NJ — A passionate advocate for seniors in Montclair has earned an award from the AARP for her years of volunteer service.
AARP NJ recently selected Ann Lippel – a founding member of the Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place – as its 2025 AARP New Jersey Andrus Award for Community Service recipient.
“Ann has shown a strong dedication to helping her community become an age-friendly place to live,” the AARP NJ said.
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For over a decade, Lippel served as member and then chair of the Montclair Senior Citizens Advisory Committee. She is also a founding member of The Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place (mGAP) – a local nonprofit dedicated to helping seniors overcome the digital divide – and has served on their executive board since 2020.
“Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Ann’s approach to this challenge was grounded in a peer-centered strategy that paired seniors with others who are tech-savvy, fostering confidence in using digital tools such as email, health care portals and video calls to stay in touch with loved ones,” the AARP NJ said.
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Through the SmartSenior/SmartTech program, mGAP has been able to support more than one thousand seniors throughout Essex County.
“I am deeply committed to serving my community of modern agers and deeply honored to receive this award,” Lippel said.
“My hope has always been to help make a tangible difference in the lives of those who might otherwise have been left behind,” she added.
AARP NJ State Director Chris Widelo said the award acts as a symbol to the public that people can all work together for positive social change – especially when it comes to aging in place.
“We are proud to honor Ann’s dedication and hard work,” Widelo said.
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