Senator O'Mara pays tribute to Yates County senior volunteers

Albany, N.Y., May 8—New York State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats)  welcomed John Moeller of Penn Yan and William “Bill” Wormuth, Sr. of Penn Yan to the State Capitol today as part of a Senior Citizens’ Day 2012 event in Albany sponsored by the New York State Office for the Aging.

According to the state Office for the Aging, Senior Citizens' Day is celebrated in New York in conjunction with events across the nation during May to observe Older American's Month. Today’s event seeks to acknowledge the significant contributions made by older New Yorkers to their communities. This year's event theme was "Honoring Those Who Help Others and Empower Their Communities."

[In the attached photo, from left to right: John Moeller, Senator O’Mara and Bill Wormuth, Sr. following the May 8 Senior Citizens’ Day recognition event in the ceremonial Blue Room at the State Capitol.]

“What a great honor for John and Bill for all of the outstanding and meaningful service they’ve provided to so many of their fellow seniors throughout Yates County.  It’s a fitting tribute to the thousands of hours they’ve volunteered which have made such a difference in so many lives,” said O’Mara.

[Watch Senator O'Mara's comments from the floor of the Senate]

Local county Offices for the Aging, including Yates, submitted nominations for the 2012 tributes.  The following biographies of Moeller and Wormuth were included as part of today’s program:

-- John Moeller: From 1988 to 2005, John volunteered his time and car for Yates County Office for the Aging medical transportation. A Retired Senior Volunteer Program member since 1989, John has received Bronze, Silver, Gold and Lifetime awards for 9,855 volunteer hours plus. His diverse volunteering includes: clerical assistant, receptionist, friendly visitor, caregiver respite, Home Delivered Meals driver and Keuka College test proctor. John is 90 years old and makes Telephone Reassurance calls to isolated seniors.

-- William “Bill” Wormuth, Sr.: Bill began working for the Yates County Office for the Aging in 2007 as a driver for the Transportation Program. In 2011, Bill began as a volunteer for our Special Event Advisory Committee where he helps plan our special events. Bill then agreed to become a Phone Friend where he makes calls to isolated seniors. He also makes reminder phone calls about transportation trips and will ride along with people who may need a companion. Bill also calls bingo each week at a local nursing home and is the president of the Senior Citizen’s Group at the Moose Lodge.