Congratulations and Thank You to our 2020 Older New Yorkers' Day awardees

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) recently celebrated "Older New Yorkers' Day" and issued its annual recognition of volunteers making a difference for older New Yorkers locally, regionally and statewide.

The NYSOFA recognized 87 volunteers nominated by 49 county Offices for the Aging throughout New York, including, this year, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Tompkins counties. View the NYSOFA virtual celebration event HERE.

From the NYSOFA: "Annually, Older Americans Month highlights the incredible efforts and diverse contributions older adults make to their communities. In New York, there are almost 1 million volunteers age 55+ who contribute approximately 500 million hours of service each year at an economic value of more than $13 billion. The 2020 Older Americans Month theme is 'Make Your Mark,' which perfectly captures the role older New Yorkers are making during this pandemic. Their time, experience, and talents benefit family, peers, and neighbors every day. This year’s theme highlights the difference everyone can make to support and strengthen their communities."

Senator O'Mara said, "What a great honor for all of the outstanding and meaningful service these area seniors have provided to so many of their fellow seniors and their communities throughout the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions.  It’s a fitting tribute to the thousands of hours they’ve volunteered, which have made such a difference in so many lives.”

Congratulations and Thank You to our local awardees:

> Reverend Dr. Cynthia Huling Hummel of Chemung County,. who received the "Governor's Recognition for Exemplary Service";

> Father Michael Hartney of Schuyler County;

> Larry and Cathy Storm of Steuben County;

> Robert Wheeler of Steuben County;

> Elizabeth Conger of Tompkins County; and

> John O'Connell of Tompkins County.

Read more about their contributions  in the NYSOFA booklet attached above.

Marie Fitzsimmons and Kate LaMoreaux of Schuyler County were awarded the "Area Agency on Aging Volunteer Innovation Award" honoring for their work to provide the Schuyler County Learning Pod Program to help Watkins Glen students throughout the COVID-19 response.  

Read more in The Odessa File, "Rev. Hartney among honorees at NYSOFA Older New Yorkers' Day virtual celebration: Retired teachers Fitzsimmons, LaMoreaux also honored for Learning Support Program"