Matty Mathison has been selected to receive the 2025 AARP Wisconsin Andrus Award for Community Service.
AARP Wisconsin selected Mathison for the award based on her career of service, which has benefited her community, reflected AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired others to volunteer.
As part of her award, Mathison could select an organization to receive a $1,000 donation from AARP. She will donate the entire amount to Shawano Pathways. An awards ceremony for her will be held in Shawano on March 31.
“I grew up in a small town where everyone helped everyone,” Mathison said. “My parents taught all nine of their children to play fair, learn to share and show you care. I carry that motto yet today.”
She recalls fondly how her involvement began with Shawano Pathways.
“When I was still coaching and teaching, Greg Sturm hounded me to join what would turn into Shawano Pathways,” she said. “Friends of the Mountain Bay Trail-Shawano is an offshoot of that.”
AARP Wisconsin state director Raj Shukla said AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and contributions that volunteers make to their communities, neighbors and programs they serve.
“This award is a symbol that we can all work together for positive social change,” Shukla said. “Matty clearly goes above and beyond the definition of the word volunteer. She serves as an inspiring example of the phrase ‘service before self.’ She is committed to doing whatever she can every single day to make life better for those around her. She is truly one in a million.”
A resident of Shawano since 1969, Mathison, 79, taught health and physical education (and coached two state volleyball championship teams) at Shawano High School for 37 years before retiring and turning much of her time and attention to improving the county’s trails, pathways and parks.
Mathison said her family played outside all the time.
“I think that’s where I gained my love for winter,” she said. “Twenty-eight degrees and snowing is my favorite weather.”
The family was one of 110 in her hometown.
“After we did our chores in the morning, we’d run outside,” she said. “We were active in ballgames, skating, 4-H, church. If we came home before supper, we were given more chores, so we played outside as long as we could.”
Because of all those outdoors activities, Mathison was one of the children who recruited others for team sports, a skill she continues to use to this day.
“I’ve been successful in recruiting people to help,” she said. “We repaired 11 of the 20 bridges that cross the Mountain Bay Trail last year.”
Mathison grew up watching her parents help others. That’s they way it was in a small town.
“In 1984, a tornado hit my property causing lots of damage and the loss of 57 huge trees,” she said. “Friends, neighbors and many Shawano people I didn’t even know helped with the cleanup for days and days. Volunteering is my way of thanking this community and giving something back.”
Mathison said she is honored to receive the award from AARP.
“Five years ago, the AARP Small Dollar, Big Impact grant was the impetus for the creation of our Grace Trails, which has now become nationally known,” she said.
Mathison is a charter member of Shawano Pathways and the Friends of the Mountain Bay Trail – Shawano County, which are both volunteer trail advocacy community service organizations that promote, develop and maintain trails. She is also a member of the Red Tent Book Club.
“In communities our size, it’s vital that county, city and nonprofits work together,” she said.
Fellow trail volunteer Nancy Brown-Koeller nominated Mathison for the award.
“Matty has put in the blood, sweat and tears to make sure each group is fulfilling its mission,” Brown-Koeller said. “When you look up the definition of ‘trail advocate,’ you will see Matty’s picture.”
For example, Mathison brought to life the first and only Mountain Trail Information Center in Shawano County. She was the major fundraiser and the primary volunteer recruiter, organizer and worker for the center, which is now a place for trail users to get maps and information, refill their water bottles, enjoy a sitting area and historical exhibit, connect to WiFi, get help at a “fix-it” station and use the restrooms.
“At a time when many people are spending too much time on the couch, Matty is an inspiration with her motivation, spirit, and work ethic,” Brown-Koeller said. “She is one of the hardest working people around and yet has the reputation as one of the nicest people in Shawano County.”
Not one to rest on her laurels, Mathison is always looking ahead.
“The major project for both Friends of the Mountain Bay Trail and Shawano Pathways is to ‘fix the gap’ in the Mountain-Bay Trail, which runs for 83 miles through parts of Marathon, Shawano and Brown County,” she said. “The only gap in it is an on-road section with heavy traffic in Shawano County. Our goal is to create a safe, continuous, traffic-free corridor for all to enjoy.”
By the way, she would also like to get a bike shop in Shawano.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
Kevin King and Matty Mathison install signs on the east side of the new Midway on the Mountain-Bay Trail Information Center, a former Chicago and Northwestern depot, in 2024. The center was a joint project of Friends of the Mountain-Bay Trail — Shawano County and Shawano Pathways. (Contributed)
Matty Mathison has lived in a cabin on the Wolf River since 1976. Her yard represents many of the things she loves. A wood carving serves as a memorial to her beloved curly-coated retrievers, adopted through the years as part of a rescue program. (File | NEW Media)
