SCARBOROUGH – Many who volunteer or are involved in and around Scarborough have heard the name Bud Hanson. He is involved in many nonprofits and enjoys volunteering his time to help other seniors in the area feel important and included.

The 84-year-old Scarborough resident serves as chairman of the seniors program advisory board for Scarborough Community Services, a program that provides diverse, safe, quality and cost-efficient services to the town of Scarborough and the surrounding area.

Because of Hanson’s commitment to giving back to the community through his volunteerism, Scarborough Terrace Assisted Living recently presented him with this year’s Senior Service Award. Scarborough Community Services and Hanson are each being awarded a $500 gift from Scarborough Terrace as part of the award.

“I am very honored to be the recipient of this year’s Senior Service Award,” said Hanson. “It is important to give back as we age because the older we all get, the more needs we have. About 25 percent of our population is made up of seniors, so I think it is important to have programs that focus exclusively on making sure our seniors are happy and fulfilled.”

Scarborough Community Services offers many different programs to the town of Scarborough and the surrounding area including childcare and summer camp programs, beach management, adult and youth classes, sports programs, annual special events and a special program for area seniors. The senior program offers a $10 membership fee each year to those who are 55-plus in the town of Scarborough and the surrounding area. This membership includes a discount card to local businesses and provides transportation to the events and day trips the organization coordinates. Members also receive a seasonal newsletter and are invited to a lunch gathering every week. Hanson serves on the advisory committee, which ensures that the organization offers the best possible programs and services to area seniors.

“Bud is always going above and beyond his role as chairman of the seniors program advisory board,” said Hallie Hodge, seniors program coordinator for Scarborough Community Services. “He has served on numerous other boards as well and with everything he volunteers for, he does all he can to support the seniors in our town. He has taken on the role of ambassador for them and wants to make sure there are as many programs and services available to them as possible. We are very grateful to Scarborough Terrace Assisted Living for honoring us, and in turn, Bud, with this fantastic award.”

The seniors program provided by Scarborough Community Services also serves as a type of resource center for seniors. The organization brings in guest speakers to present at luncheons on the topics of scams, safety, Medicare, and others that are of particular interest to those in the 55-plus age group. The board was established in 2007 and is a five-member board with an alternate position. The program works with area restaurants and stores to provide special discounts for seniors. They coordinate outings to concerts, ocean trips, ball games, casinos, art museums, theaters and more.

“I have been volunteering for around 33 years now,” said Hanson. “I started volunteering for the Cub Scouts, rang the bell for the Salvation Army, was part of the planning department for the town of Scarborough for nine years, served on a board to help the school with new renovations, was on a steering committee for the new community center, and many more. I also currently serve on the employee recognition board and the public relations committee for the Veterans Home.”

“Working every day with seniors has helped us at Scarborough Terrace to realize how important it is to honor other area organizations that provide for the happiness and well-being of seniors in the area,” said Elizabeth Simonds, marketing manager at Scarborough Terrace Assisted Living. “Without organizations like Scarborough Community Services and volunteers like Bud, the community would not have the fabulous programs that are offered to our seniors. We at Scarborough Terrace enjoy doing everything we can to ensure the health and happiness of our residents and are proud to honor those in the community who do the same.”

From left are Scarborough Terrace Assisted Living’s executive director Terry Huntley, Bud Hanson and Scarborough Community Services’ seniors program coordinator Hallie Hodge at the recent Senior Service Award reception.