SP's Al Johnston receives state AARP volunteer award

Vibrant at the age of 86, Severna Park resident Albert M. Johnston has reinvented himself many times, conquering several different careers while dedicating his spare time to volunteer work. On Oct. 15, in recognition of his long record of civic involvement, Johnston received AARP in Maryland's 2009 Andrus Award for Community Service.

In addition, he was honored with resolutions from the state Senate and House of Delegates and received citations from County Executive John R. Leopold and the county council.

Johnston's professional life experienced many interesting twists and turns and includes a stint as a combat photographer with the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II.

He studied law in his native Nebraska and at Harvard, and eventually became a patent attorney. Finding the work unfulfilling, he opted to enroll in a Westinghouse training program for employee relations in 1979.

For 26 months, he held a different job every six weeks. Afterward, he became director of technical recruitment for the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory. By the 1980s, Johnston was an employee benefits consultant, handling pension and retirement plans for nonprofit organizations. A licensed insurance agent, and registered representative, he was, "in essence a stockbroker," he said.

His busy civic life included multiple terms as president of the Greater Severna Park Council, where he's still active as vice president of public affairs. He's also served on various Anne Arundel County advisory committees.

Now an elder statesman, he finds his volunteerism has increased over the years rather than declining.

Long a member of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, Johnston has conducted a pro bono legal assistance program there since 1967, educating older adults about Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, estate planning and real estate issues.

Johnston is now in his fourth year as president of Severna Park AARP Chapter 2323.

Tiffany Lundquist, AARP Maryland interim state director, had high praise for Johnston's service to the community. "Al's long record of civic engagement is exemplary," she said.

"With his vast knowledge and unflagging commitment, he has improved life for older Marylanders in countless ways."

Sharon Lee Tegler is a freelance writer living in Severna Park.became a member in 1979. A well-known presence in Annapolis, Johnston has represented AARP before the General Assembly since 1998 and is the association's representative on the Maryland State Oversight Committee on Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities. He was heavily involved in the national effort to create the Medicare Part D prescription drug program.

Now an elder statesman, he finds his volunteerism has increased over the years rather than declining.

"I grew up in a family where volunteering was part of daily life. Both my father and my mother were great volunteers,' Johnston said. "Beginning with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, I've always volunteered. It's part of who I am. Beyond that, I enjoy the interaction with the people."

Involved with dependents' benefits since the early 1950s as an Army legal affairs officer, and later as head of an employee benefits section for 4,000 workers at Westinghouse, Johnston brought invaluable experience to the table where seniors' rights are concerned. "When Part D Medicare came along, there is no question that it was confusing to the senior population. With my background, it was easy for me to design an orientation program for them with a question and answer period. That's how I began working on the whole benefit thing through AARP," he said.

Having encountered similar confusion among seniors regarding the Obama administration's proposed healthcare plan at a recent AARP meeting, Johnston said he expects to get many more questions on the subject. He's keeping abreast of the situation through three insightful Internet blogs and has read 150 pages of the House of Representatives' healthcare bill. And he's assisting with outreach and education for AARP's "Health Action Now" campaign.

Away from AARP, he's on the Board of Directors for Woodswise: The Senior Housing Corporation in Severna Park and helped facilitate the organization's purchase of a 10-acre tract of land on Cypress Creek Road from the county for one dollar. Today, Sunrise Assisted Living in Severna Park leases that property and pays ground rent to the corporation. In turn, the corporation provides $150,000 to subsidize rents for those who need financial help to remain at the assisted living facility.

Tiffany Lundquist, AARP Maryland interim state director, had high praise for Johnston's service to the community. "Al's long record of civic engagement is exemplary," she said. "With his vast knowledge and unflagging commitment, he has improved life for older Marylanders in countless ways."

Sharon Lee Tegler is a freelance writer living in Severna Park.