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Two Legacy Volunteers recognized for their volunteerism

Posted on 11/18/24

Two long-time volunteers were recognized with the AARP Legacy Award, Vel Rae Burkholder of Fargo and Carole Watrel of Bismarck.

Marnie Piehl

Burkholder began volunteering with AARP in 1996 serving on the Leadership Council, and the first Executive Council. She represented AARP North Dakota at the White House Conference on Aging in 2015, and has been a stellar volunteer at AARP events, booths, and tables for decades. She also is a member of the Speakers Bureau.

Marnie Piehl

Watrel began volunteering for AARP in 1987, well before a state office existed, and traveled throughout western North Dakota talking to groups as part of AARP’s Health Advocacy Services. She worked closely with North Dakota Aging Services and attended the White House Conference on Aging in 1995, and still volunteers for AARP at health fairs.

"These two have volunteered with AARP for a combined total of 65 years, and they show no signs of retiring from it. We are so grateful for their efforts and their example. We couldn't do what we do without them," said Josh Askvig, AARP ND State Director.

Read about the other volunteers recognized in 2024: Andrus Award recipient Marlene Batterberry and Community Fraud Fighter winner Parrell Grossman.



Learn more about AARP's fraud work at aarp.org/fraud.

This story is provided by AARP North Dakota. Visit the AARP North Dakota page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

AARP Events for Bismarck

AARP Events for Bismarck

• Featured Event

  AARP ND - Thanksmas with Missouri River Rainbow Seniors, Bismarck

  Thursday, Dec 5, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. CT

  AARP North Dakota State Office

  Bismarck, ND

• Featured Event

  AARP ND - How LGBTQ+ Elders Can Create Generational Change (online)

  Tuesday, Dec 10, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. CT

  Online Event

• Featured Event

  AARP ND-Day at the Capitol

  Sunday, Jan 19, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. CT

  North Dakota State Capitol

  Bismarck, ND

View All AARP Events

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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Two Legacy Volunteers recognized for their volunteerism</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 11/18/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two long-time volunteers were recognized with the AARP Legacy Award, Vel Rae Burkholder of Fargo and Carole Watrel of Bismarck. <br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Vel Rae Burkholder</figcaption>
    
    
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        </div><p>Burkholder began volunteering with AARP in 1996 serving on the Leadership Council, and the first Executive Council. She represented AARP North Dakota at the White House Conference on Aging in 2015, and has been a stellar volunteer at AARP events, booths, and tables for decades. She also is a member of the Speakers Bureau.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Carole Watrel on the left.</figcaption>
    
    
        <div class="Figure-credit">Marnie Piehl</div>
    
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        </div><p>Watrel began volunteering for AARP in 1987, well before a state office existed, and traveled throughout western North Dakota talking to groups as part of AARP’s Health Advocacy Services. She worked closely with North Dakota Aging Services and attended the White House Conference on Aging in 1995, and still volunteers for AARP at health fairs.<br><br>"These two have volunteered with AARP for a combined total of 65 years, and they show no signs of retiring from it.  We are so grateful for their efforts and their example. We couldn't do what we do without them," said Josh Askvig, AARP ND State Director. <br><br>Read about the other volunteers recognized in 2024: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/marlene-batterberry-named-2024-andrus-award-recipient">Andrus Award recipient Marlene Batterberry </a></span></span>and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/bismarcks-parrell-grossman-named-2024-community-fraud-fighter">Community Fraud Fighter winner Parrell Grossman. </a></span></span><br><br><br><br>Learn more about AARP's fraud work at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraud.</a></span></span> <br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP North Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Two Legacy Volunteers recognized for their volunteerism</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 11/18/24 
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        </div><p>Burkholder began volunteering with AARP in 1996 serving on the Leadership Council, and the first Executive Council. She represented AARP North Dakota at the White House Conference on Aging in 2015, and has been a stellar volunteer at AARP events, booths, and tables for decades. She also is a member of the Speakers Bureau.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p>Watrel began volunteering for AARP in 1987, well before a state office existed, and traveled throughout western North Dakota talking to groups as part of AARP’s Health Advocacy Services. She worked closely with North Dakota Aging Services and attended the White House Conference on Aging in 1995, and still volunteers for AARP at health fairs.<br><br>"These two have volunteered with AARP for a combined total of 65 years, and they show no signs of retiring from it.  We are so grateful for their efforts and their example. We couldn't do what we do without them," said Josh Askvig, AARP ND State Director. <br><br>Read about the other volunteers recognized in 2024: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/marlene-batterberry-named-2024-andrus-award-recipient">Andrus Award recipient Marlene Batterberry </a></span></span>and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/bismarcks-parrell-grossman-named-2024-community-fraud-fighter">Community Fraud Fighter winner Parrell Grossman. </a></span></span><br><br><br><br>Learn more about AARP's fraud work at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraud.</a></span></span> <br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP North Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Two Legacy Volunteers recognized for their volunteerism</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 11/18/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two long-time volunteers were recognized with the AARP Legacy Award, Vel Rae Burkholder of Fargo and Carole Watrel of Bismarck. <br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Vel Rae Burkholder</figcaption>
    
    
        <div class="Figure-credit">Marnie Piehl</div>
    
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        </div><p>Burkholder began volunteering with AARP in 1996 serving on the Leadership Council, and the first Executive Council. She represented AARP North Dakota at the White House Conference on Aging in 2015, and has been a stellar volunteer at AARP events, booths, and tables for decades. She also is a member of the Speakers Bureau.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Carole Watrel on the left.</figcaption>
    
    
        <div class="Figure-credit">Marnie Piehl</div>
    
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</div>
            
        </div><p>Watrel began volunteering for AARP in 1987, well before a state office existed, and traveled throughout western North Dakota talking to groups as part of AARP’s Health Advocacy Services. She worked closely with North Dakota Aging Services and attended the White House Conference on Aging in 1995, and still volunteers for AARP at health fairs.<br><br>"These two have volunteered with AARP for a combined total of 65 years, and they show no signs of retiring from it.  We are so grateful for their efforts and their example. We couldn't do what we do without them," said Josh Askvig, AARP ND State Director. <br><br>Read about the other volunteers recognized in 2024: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/marlene-batterberry-named-2024-andrus-award-recipient">Andrus Award recipient Marlene Batterberry </a></span></span>and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/bismarcks-parrell-grossman-named-2024-community-fraud-fighter">Community Fraud Fighter winner Parrell Grossman. </a></span></span><br><br><br><br>Learn more about AARP's fraud work at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraud.</a></span></span> <br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP North Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Two Legacy Volunteers recognized for their volunteerism</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 11/18/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two long-time volunteers were recognized with the AARP Legacy Award, Vel Rae Burkholder of Fargo and Carole Watrel of Bismarck. <br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <div class="Figure-credit">Marnie Piehl</div>
    
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        </div><p>Burkholder began volunteering with AARP in 1996 serving on the Leadership Council, and the first Executive Council. She represented AARP North Dakota at the White House Conference on Aging in 2015, and has been a stellar volunteer at AARP events, booths, and tables for decades. She also is a member of the Speakers Bureau.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Carole Watrel on the left.</figcaption>
    
    
        <div class="Figure-credit">Marnie Piehl</div>
    
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        </div><p>Watrel began volunteering for AARP in 1987, well before a state office existed, and traveled throughout western North Dakota talking to groups as part of AARP’s Health Advocacy Services. She worked closely with North Dakota Aging Services and attended the White House Conference on Aging in 1995, and still volunteers for AARP at health fairs.<br><br>"These two have volunteered with AARP for a combined total of 65 years, and they show no signs of retiring from it.  We are so grateful for their efforts and their example. We couldn't do what we do without them," said Josh Askvig, AARP ND State Director. <br><br>Read about the other volunteers recognized in 2024: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/marlene-batterberry-named-2024-andrus-award-recipient">Andrus Award recipient Marlene Batterberry </a></span></span>and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/bismarcks-parrell-grossman-named-2024-community-fraud-fighter">Community Fraud Fighter winner Parrell Grossman. </a></span></span><br><br><br><br>Learn more about AARP's fraud work at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraud.</a></span></span> <br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP North Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nd-thanksmas-with-missouri-river-rainbow-seniors-bismarck-12524-pbn6bjmmh87.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-ND-THANKSMAS-WITH-MISSOURI-RIVER-RAINBOW-SENIORS-BISMARCK">AARP ND - Thanksmas with Missouri River Rainbow Seniors, Bismarck</a></h2>
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Two Legacy Volunteers recognized for their volunteerism</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 11/18/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two long-time volunteers were recognized with the AARP Legacy Award, Vel Rae Burkholder of Fargo and Carole Watrel of Bismarck. <br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Vel Rae Burkholder</figcaption>
    
    
        <div class="Figure-credit">Marnie Piehl</div>
    
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        </div><p>Burkholder began volunteering with AARP in 1996 serving on the Leadership Council, and the first Executive Council. She represented AARP North Dakota at the White House Conference on Aging in 2015, and has been a stellar volunteer at AARP events, booths, and tables for decades. She also is a member of the Speakers Bureau.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Carole Watrel on the left.</figcaption>
    
    
        <div class="Figure-credit">Marnie Piehl</div>
    
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        </div><p>Watrel began volunteering for AARP in 1987, well before a state office existed, and traveled throughout western North Dakota talking to groups as part of AARP’s Health Advocacy Services. She worked closely with North Dakota Aging Services and attended the White House Conference on Aging in 1995, and still volunteers for AARP at health fairs.<br><br>"These two have volunteered with AARP for a combined total of 65 years, and they show no signs of retiring from it.  We are so grateful for their efforts and their example. We couldn't do what we do without them," said Josh Askvig, AARP ND State Director. <br><br>Read about the other volunteers recognized in 2024: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/marlene-batterberry-named-2024-andrus-award-recipient">Andrus Award recipient Marlene Batterberry </a></span></span>and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/bismarcks-parrell-grossman-named-2024-community-fraud-fighter">Community Fraud Fighter winner Parrell Grossman. </a></span></span><br><br><br><br>Learn more about AARP's fraud work at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraud.</a></span></span> <br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP North Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Two Legacy Volunteers recognized for their volunteerism</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 11/18/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two long-time volunteers were recognized with the AARP Legacy Award, Vel Rae Burkholder of Fargo and Carole Watrel of Bismarck. <br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <div class="Figure-credit">Marnie Piehl</div>
    
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        </div><p>Burkholder began volunteering with AARP in 1996 serving on the Leadership Council, and the first Executive Council. She represented AARP North Dakota at the White House Conference on Aging in 2015, and has been a stellar volunteer at AARP events, booths, and tables for decades. She also is a member of the Speakers Bureau.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Carole Watrel on the left.</figcaption>
    
    
        <div class="Figure-credit">Marnie Piehl</div>
    
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        </div><p>Watrel began volunteering for AARP in 1987, well before a state office existed, and traveled throughout western North Dakota talking to groups as part of AARP’s Health Advocacy Services. She worked closely with North Dakota Aging Services and attended the White House Conference on Aging in 1995, and still volunteers for AARP at health fairs.<br><br>"These two have volunteered with AARP for a combined total of 65 years, and they show no signs of retiring from it.  We are so grateful for their efforts and their example. We couldn't do what we do without them," said Josh Askvig, AARP ND State Director. <br><br>Read about the other volunteers recognized in 2024: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/marlene-batterberry-named-2024-andrus-award-recipient">Andrus Award recipient Marlene Batterberry </a></span></span>and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/bismarcks-parrell-grossman-named-2024-community-fraud-fighter">Community Fraud Fighter winner Parrell Grossman. </a></span></span><br><br><br><br>Learn more about AARP's fraud work at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraud.</a></span></span> <br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP North Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Two Legacy Volunteers recognized for their volunteerism</h1></header>	
						<div class="posted-on">
				Posted on 11/18/24 
							</div>
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two long-time volunteers were recognized with the AARP Legacy Award, Vel Rae Burkholder of Fargo and Carole Watrel of Bismarck. <br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <div class="Figure-credit">Marnie Piehl</div>
    
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        </div><p>Burkholder began volunteering with AARP in 1996 serving on the Leadership Council, and the first Executive Council. She represented AARP North Dakota at the White House Conference on Aging in 2015, and has been a stellar volunteer at AARP events, booths, and tables for decades. She also is a member of the Speakers Bureau.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p>Watrel began volunteering for AARP in 1987, well before a state office existed, and traveled throughout western North Dakota talking to groups as part of AARP’s Health Advocacy Services. She worked closely with North Dakota Aging Services and attended the White House Conference on Aging in 1995, and still volunteers for AARP at health fairs.<br><br>"These two have volunteered with AARP for a combined total of 65 years, and they show no signs of retiring from it.  We are so grateful for their efforts and their example. We couldn't do what we do without them," said Josh Askvig, AARP ND State Director. <br><br>Read about the other volunteers recognized in 2024: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/marlene-batterberry-named-2024-andrus-award-recipient">Andrus Award recipient Marlene Batterberry </a></span></span>and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/bismarcks-parrell-grossman-named-2024-community-fraud-fighter">Community Fraud Fighter winner Parrell Grossman. </a></span></span><br><br><br><br>Learn more about AARP's fraud work at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraud.</a></span></span> <br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP North Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nd-how-lgbtq-elders-can-create-generational-change-online-121024-nmn26xmdm74.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-ND-HOW-LGBTQ-ELDERS-CAN-CREATE-GENERATIONAL-CHANGE-ONLINE">AARP ND - How LGBTQ+ Elders Can Create Generational Change (online)</a></h2>
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			<p><a class="link-red" href="/bismarck-nd/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p>
	
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	<div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div>
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		<li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li>
		<li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li>
		<li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li>
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		<a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BISMARCK-ND">Join AARP</a>
		<div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BISMARCK-ND">Renew</a> or 
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<h2>Contact AARP <br />in Bismarck</h2>
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        </div><p>Burkholder began volunteering with AARP in 1996 serving on the Leadership Council, and the first Executive Council. She represented AARP North Dakota at the White House Conference on Aging in 2015, and has been a stellar volunteer at AARP events, booths, and tables for decades. She also is a member of the Speakers Bureau.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p>Watrel began volunteering for AARP in 1987, well before a state office existed, and traveled throughout western North Dakota talking to groups as part of AARP’s Health Advocacy Services. She worked closely with North Dakota Aging Services and attended the White House Conference on Aging in 1995, and still volunteers for AARP at health fairs.<br><br>"These two have volunteered with AARP for a combined total of 65 years, and they show no signs of retiring from it.  We are so grateful for their efforts and their example. We couldn't do what we do without them," said Josh Askvig, AARP ND State Director. <br><br>Read about the other volunteers recognized in 2024: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/marlene-batterberry-named-2024-andrus-award-recipient">Andrus Award recipient Marlene Batterberry </a></span></span>and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/bismarcks-parrell-grossman-named-2024-community-fraud-fighter">Community Fraud Fighter winner Parrell Grossman. </a></span></span><br><br><br><br>Learn more about AARP's fraud work at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraud.</a></span></span> <br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP North Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Two Legacy Volunteers recognized for their volunteerism</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 11/18/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two long-time volunteers were recognized with the AARP Legacy Award, Vel Rae Burkholder of Fargo and Carole Watrel of Bismarck. <br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <div class="Figure-credit">Marnie Piehl</div>
    
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        </div><p>Burkholder began volunteering with AARP in 1996 serving on the Leadership Council, and the first Executive Council. She represented AARP North Dakota at the White House Conference on Aging in 2015, and has been a stellar volunteer at AARP events, booths, and tables for decades. She also is a member of the Speakers Bureau.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        </div><p>Watrel began volunteering for AARP in 1987, well before a state office existed, and traveled throughout western North Dakota talking to groups as part of AARP’s Health Advocacy Services. She worked closely with North Dakota Aging Services and attended the White House Conference on Aging in 1995, and still volunteers for AARP at health fairs.<br><br>"These two have volunteered with AARP for a combined total of 65 years, and they show no signs of retiring from it.  We are so grateful for their efforts and their example. We couldn't do what we do without them," said Josh Askvig, AARP ND State Director. <br><br>Read about the other volunteers recognized in 2024: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/marlene-batterberry-named-2024-andrus-award-recipient">Andrus Award recipient Marlene Batterberry </a></span></span>and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/bismarcks-parrell-grossman-named-2024-community-fraud-fighter">Community Fraud Fighter winner Parrell Grossman. </a></span></span><br><br><br><br>Learn more about AARP's fraud work at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraud.</a></span></span> <br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP North Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Two Legacy Volunteers recognized for their volunteerism</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 11/18/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two long-time volunteers were recognized with the AARP Legacy Award, Vel Rae Burkholder of Fargo and Carole Watrel of Bismarck. <br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <div class="Figure-credit">Marnie Piehl</div>
    
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        </div><p>Burkholder began volunteering with AARP in 1996 serving on the Leadership Council, and the first Executive Council. She represented AARP North Dakota at the White House Conference on Aging in 2015, and has been a stellar volunteer at AARP events, booths, and tables for decades. She also is a member of the Speakers Bureau.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Carole Watrel on the left.</figcaption>
    
    
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        </div><p>Watrel began volunteering for AARP in 1987, well before a state office existed, and traveled throughout western North Dakota talking to groups as part of AARP’s Health Advocacy Services. She worked closely with North Dakota Aging Services and attended the White House Conference on Aging in 1995, and still volunteers for AARP at health fairs.<br><br>"These two have volunteered with AARP for a combined total of 65 years, and they show no signs of retiring from it.  We are so grateful for their efforts and their example. We couldn't do what we do without them," said Josh Askvig, AARP ND State Director. <br><br>Read about the other volunteers recognized in 2024: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/marlene-batterberry-named-2024-andrus-award-recipient">Andrus Award recipient Marlene Batterberry </a></span></span>and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/bismarcks-parrell-grossman-named-2024-community-fraud-fighter">Community Fraud Fighter winner Parrell Grossman. </a></span></span><br><br><br><br>Learn more about AARP's fraud work at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraud.</a></span></span> <br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP North Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nd-thanksmas-with-missouri-river-rainbow-seniors-bismarck-12524-pbn6bjmmh87.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-ND-THANKSMAS-WITH-MISSOURI-RIVER-RAINBOW-SENIORS-BISMARCK">AARP ND - Thanksmas with Missouri River Rainbow Seniors, Bismarck</a></h2>
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					<p class="loc">Bismarck, ND</p>
					
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					<h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nd-how-lgbtq-elders-can-create-generational-change-online-121024-nmn26xmdm74.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-AARP-ND-HOW-LGBTQ-ELDERS-CAN-CREATE-GENERATIONAL-CHANGE-ONLINE">AARP ND - How LGBTQ+ Elders Can Create Generational Change (online)</a></h2>
					<p class="time">Tuesday, Dec 10, 2024 at 6:30&nbsp;p.m. CT</p>
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Two Legacy Volunteers recognized for their volunteerism</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 11/18/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two long-time volunteers were recognized with the AARP Legacy Award, Vel Rae Burkholder of Fargo and Carole Watrel of Bismarck. <br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <div class="Figure-credit">Marnie Piehl</div>
    
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        </div><p>Burkholder began volunteering with AARP in 1996 serving on the Leadership Council, and the first Executive Council. She represented AARP North Dakota at the White House Conference on Aging in 2015, and has been a stellar volunteer at AARP events, booths, and tables for decades. She also is a member of the Speakers Bureau.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Carole Watrel on the left.</figcaption>
    
    
        <div class="Figure-credit">Marnie Piehl</div>
    
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        </div><p>Watrel began volunteering for AARP in 1987, well before a state office existed, and traveled throughout western North Dakota talking to groups as part of AARP’s Health Advocacy Services. She worked closely with North Dakota Aging Services and attended the White House Conference on Aging in 1995, and still volunteers for AARP at health fairs.<br><br>"These two have volunteered with AARP for a combined total of 65 years, and they show no signs of retiring from it.  We are so grateful for their efforts and their example. We couldn't do what we do without them," said Josh Askvig, AARP ND State Director. <br><br>Read about the other volunteers recognized in 2024: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/marlene-batterberry-named-2024-andrus-award-recipient">Andrus Award recipient Marlene Batterberry </a></span></span>and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/bismarcks-parrell-grossman-named-2024-community-fraud-fighter">Community Fraud Fighter winner Parrell Grossman. </a></span></span><br><br><br><br>Learn more about AARP's fraud work at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraud.</a></span></span> <br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP North Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">Two Legacy Volunteers recognized for their volunteerism</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 11/18/24 
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        <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Two long-time volunteers were recognized with the AARP Legacy Award, Vel Rae Burkholder of Fargo and Carole Watrel of Bismarck. <br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <div class="Figure-credit">Marnie Piehl</div>
    
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        </div><p>Burkholder began volunteering with AARP in 1996 serving on the Leadership Council, and the first Executive Council. She represented AARP North Dakota at the White House Conference on Aging in 2015, and has been a stellar volunteer at AARP events, booths, and tables for decades. She also is a member of the Speakers Bureau.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"   >
            
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        <figcaption class="Figure-caption">Carole Watrel on the left.</figcaption>
    
    
        <div class="Figure-credit">Marnie Piehl</div>
    
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        </div><p>Watrel began volunteering for AARP in 1987, well before a state office existed, and traveled throughout western North Dakota talking to groups as part of AARP’s Health Advocacy Services. She worked closely with North Dakota Aging Services and attended the White House Conference on Aging in 1995, and still volunteers for AARP at health fairs.<br><br>"These two have volunteered with AARP for a combined total of 65 years, and they show no signs of retiring from it.  We are so grateful for their efforts and their example. We couldn't do what we do without them," said Josh Askvig, AARP ND State Director. <br><br>Read about the other volunteers recognized in 2024: <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/marlene-batterberry-named-2024-andrus-award-recipient">Andrus Award recipient Marlene Batterberry </a></span></span>and <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://states.aarp.org/north-dakota/bismarcks-parrell-grossman-named-2024-community-fraud-fighter">Community Fraud Fighter winner Parrell Grossman. </a></span></span><br><br><br><br>Learn more about AARP's fraud work at <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">aarp.org/fraud.</a></span></span> <br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP North Dakota. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/north-dakota/" target="_blank">AARP North Dakota</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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<meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1ef3b67/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3480x2237+0+186/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc2%2F6c%2F1be9478c4efd8a9daad90ea9bf3e%2Fvelrae-nieces.jpg"/>
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<meta property="og:title" content="Two Legacy Volunteers recognized for their volunteerism"/>
<meta property="og:description" content="Vel Rae Burkholder and Carole Watrel have volunteered with AARP for a combined 65 years"/>
<meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1ef3b67/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3480x2237+0+186/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2Fc2%2F6c%2F1be9478c4efd8a9daad90ea9bf3e%2Fvelrae-nieces.jpg"/>
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include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244
View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971
View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933
View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546
View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481
Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963
AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136
BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81
ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ??
Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491
Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193
Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167
[main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118