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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/19/25 by <b>Margaret Sigman</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/74/f792e3734439bf6b0a36d3871c95/img-1656.jpg" alt="IMG_1656.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Hurricane Helene flooding in Clyde, NC</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>CLYDE, NC</b> — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in place with his family and dogs. He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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} [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/cape-may-court-house-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/cape-may-court-house-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Cape May Court House</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Cape May Court House</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-hamilton-nj-c35996.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-RWJ-FITNESS-AND-WELLNESS-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Rwj Fitness And Wellness Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Rwj Fitness And Wellness Center</p> <p class="loc">Mercerville, NJ</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-smyrna-de-c38484.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-MAMIE-WARREN-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Mamie Warren Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Apr 8, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Mamie Warren Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Smyrna, DE</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-dover-de-c35334.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-LUTHER-VILLAGE">AARP Smart Driver™: Luther Village</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Apr 8, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Luther Village</p> <p class="loc">Dover, DE</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/cape-may-court-house-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); 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He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/19/25 by <b>Margaret Sigman</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/74/f792e3734439bf6b0a36d3871c95/img-1656.jpg" alt="IMG_1656.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Hurricane Helene flooding in Clyde, NC</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>CLYDE, NC</b> — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in place with his family and dogs. He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Hurricane Helene flooding in Clyde, NC CLYDE, NC — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air" name="description"/> <meta content="Tim, s, Journey, Resilience, Through, Service, Community" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-carolina/tims-journey-resilience-through-service-and-community" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/tims-journey-resilience-through-service-and-community-nc-2025-02-19.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="CLYDE, NC — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7d25994/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4032x2592+0+216/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F01%2F74%2Ff792e3734439bf6b0a36d3871c95%2Fimg-1656.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community"/> <meta property="og:description" content="CLYDE, NC — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7d25994/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4032x2592+0+216/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F01%2F74%2Ff792e3734439bf6b0a36d3871c95%2Fimg-1656.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; 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He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/19/25 by <b>Margaret Sigman</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/74/f792e3734439bf6b0a36d3871c95/img-1656.jpg" alt="IMG_1656.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Hurricane Helene flooding in Clyde, NC</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>CLYDE, NC</b> — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in place with his family and dogs. He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Hurricane Helene flooding in Clyde, NC CLYDE, NC — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air" name="description"/> <meta content="Tim, s, Journey, Resilience, Through, Service, Community" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-carolina/tims-journey-resilience-through-service-and-community" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/tims-journey-resilience-through-service-and-community-nc-2025-02-19.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="CLYDE, NC — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7d25994/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4032x2592+0+216/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F01%2F74%2Ff792e3734439bf6b0a36d3871c95%2Fimg-1656.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community"/> <meta property="og:description" content="CLYDE, NC — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7d25994/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4032x2592+0+216/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F01%2F74%2Ff792e3734439bf6b0a36d3871c95%2Fimg-1656.jpg"/> /* temporary */ .RichTextArticleBody ul { padding-left: 20px; 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--pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/19/25 by <b>Margaret Sigman</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/74/f792e3734439bf6b0a36d3871c95/img-1656.jpg" alt="IMG_1656.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Hurricane Helene flooding in Clyde, NC</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>CLYDE, NC</b> — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in place with his family and dogs. He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/19/25 by <b>Margaret Sigman</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/74/f792e3734439bf6b0a36d3871c95/img-1656.jpg" alt="IMG_1656.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Hurricane Helene flooding in Clyde, NC</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>CLYDE, NC</b> — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in place with his family and dogs. He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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} [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/cape-may-court-house-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/cape-may-court-house-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Cape May Court House</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Cape May Court House</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-hamilton-nj-c35996.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-RWJ-FITNESS-AND-WELLNESS-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Rwj Fitness And Wellness Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Rwj Fitness And Wellness Center</p> <p class="loc">Mercerville, NJ</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-smyrna-de-c38484.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-MAMIE-WARREN-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Mamie Warren Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Apr 8, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Mamie Warren Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Smyrna, DE</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-dover-de-c35334.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-LUTHER-VILLAGE">AARP Smart Driver™: Luther Village</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Apr 8, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Luther Village</p> <p class="loc">Dover, DE</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/cape-may-court-house-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); 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He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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CLYDE, NC — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in place with his family and dogs. He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill.
Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”
Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.
Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.
Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.
Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.
Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.
Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.
#AARPSalutesVets
Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET
Rwj Fitness And Wellness Center
Mercerville, NJ
Tuesday, Apr 8, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. ET
Mamie Warren Senior Center
Smyrna, DE
Tuesday, Apr 8, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET
Luther Village
Dover, DE
This is AARP's first rate increase in 15 years.
Don't miss out, join today and save!
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/19/25 by <b>Margaret Sigman</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/74/f792e3734439bf6b0a36d3871c95/img-1656.jpg" alt="IMG_1656.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Hurricane Helene flooding in Clyde, NC</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>CLYDE, NC</b> — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in place with his family and dogs. He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/19/25 by <b>Margaret Sigman</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/74/f792e3734439bf6b0a36d3871c95/img-1656.jpg" alt="IMG_1656.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Hurricane Helene flooding in Clyde, NC</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>CLYDE, NC</b> — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in place with his family and dogs. He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script 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{ padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/cape-may-court-house-nj/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/cape-may-court-house-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Cape May Court House</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Cape May Court House</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-hamilton-nj-c35996.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-RWJ-FITNESS-AND-WELLNESS-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Rwj Fitness And Wellness Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Rwj Fitness And Wellness Center</p> <p class="loc">Mercerville, NJ</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-smyrna-de-c38484.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-MAMIE-WARREN-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Mamie Warren Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Apr 8, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Mamie Warren Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Smyrna, DE</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-dover-de-c35334.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-LUTHER-VILLAGE">AARP Smart Driver™: Luther Village</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Apr 8, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Luther Village</p> <p class="loc">Dover, DE</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/cape-may-court-house-nj/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;height:360px;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/19/25 by <b>Margaret Sigman</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/74/f792e3734439bf6b0a36d3871c95/img-1656.jpg" alt="IMG_1656.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Hurricane Helene flooding in Clyde, NC</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>CLYDE, NC</b> — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in place with his family and dogs. He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script 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Events for Cape May Court House</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-hamilton-nj-c35996.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-RWJ-FITNESS-AND-WELLNESS-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Rwj Fitness And Wellness Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Apr 7, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Rwj Fitness And Wellness Center</p> <p class="loc">Mercerville, NJ</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/driver-safety/aarp-smart-driver-smyrna-de-c38484.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-SMART-DRIVERTM-MAMIE-WARREN-SENIOR-CENTER">AARP Smart Driver™: Mamie Warren Senior Center</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Apr 8, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Mamie Warren Senior Center</p> <p class="loc">Smyrna, DE</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/19/25 by <b>Margaret Sigman</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/74/f792e3734439bf6b0a36d3871c95/img-1656.jpg" alt="IMG_1656.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Hurricane Helene flooding in Clyde, NC</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>CLYDE, NC</b> — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in place with his family and dogs. He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/19/25 by <b>Margaret Sigman</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/74/f792e3734439bf6b0a36d3871c95/img-1656.jpg" alt="IMG_1656.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Hurricane Helene flooding in Clyde, NC</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>CLYDE, NC</b> — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in place with his family and dogs. He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Tim’s Journey: Resilience Through Service and Community</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/19/25 by <b>Margaret Sigman</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/01/74/f792e3734439bf6b0a36d3871c95/img-1656.jpg" alt="IMG_1656.jpg" width="4032" height="3024"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Hurricane Helene flooding in Clyde, NC</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>CLYDE, NC</b> — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in place with his family and dogs. He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://npmcdn.com/flickity@2/dist/flickity.pkgd.min.js"></script> <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.d703996ba6a992470f9f7fa2170736df.gz.js"></script> <link class="Webpack-css" rel="stylesheet" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.2cef3303b65f09149a6db29044f033cb.gz.css"> <!-- <script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> --> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; 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He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill. <br><br>Like everyone else in the region, Tim was shocked at the destruction in every direction in Haywood County. He knew he had plenty of work to do. “Our little neighborhood was ravaged by floodwaters for a week,” he explained, “but thanks to my 4WD, I was able to get through to deliver meals along roads that were barely passable.”<br><br>Over the next several weeks, then months, and continuing into the present, Tim dedicated his time to volunteering with AARP, seeking ways to rebuild both his community and his inner strength.<br></p><div class="Enhancement" > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="left"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/84/21/77e2db3841cba5d48eb32306b88c/img-1646.jpg" alt="IMG_1646.jpg" width="1866" height="2076" style="height: auto; max-width: 300px; max-height: 500px;"/> <figcaption class="Figure-caption">AARP volunteer Tim Gudridge </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div><p>Tim’s passion is serving his fellow veterans and military families in the Appalachian region. The Air Force taught him coping skills to overcome most of the mental challenges that the storm’s devastation left behind, but other veterans had been severely impacted and hardly knew where to start. Tim quickly discovered that helping others could be a powerful form of self-care, and that shared experiences and mutual understanding pave the way for healing.<br><br>Now, nearly every day, Tim connects with people in need, relying on AARP’s supportive community to organize veteran events, coordinate support groups, share knowledge and resources, or simply lend an empathetic ear. His volunteer efforts create a ripple effect of hope and resilience. His story is a testament to the belief that volunteer service can mend both hearts and communities; sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by uplifting others.<br><br>Tim’s unwavering commitment reminds us all that even in the aftermath of life’s toughest storms, we can rebuild—and that together, we’re stronger.<br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to find volunteer opportunities near you.</b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="www.aarp.org/veterans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to for more information for veterans, the military and their families.</b></a></span></span><br><b>#AARPSalutesVets</b><br><br> <br></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script 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