Sen. Malcolm Smith Honors Senior of the Year - Ms. Gladys Joyner

"Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the community and their contributions, both past and future, are invaluable," Smith said. "I am proud to honor Ms. Gladys Joyner in recognition of her outstanding, and much appreciated, volunteer work."  

The theme for this year's event was "Unleash the Power of Age," recognizing that the energies of older adults can be unleashed through civic engagement to address pressing social and community needs.

Joyner, a retired federal government employee, spends much of her time helping others. She has been volunteering at Queens Hospital Center for 12 years and says she enjoys the satisfaction of giving love and attention to those in need. Joyner also volunteers as a foster grandparent.

In the past, she has been part of the Queens Borough Chorus and has always enjoyed giving time to help the youth in her community. Joyner of Cambria Heights has lived in New York for 70 years. She is a mother of four, but has been a mentor and second mother to many. She has six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.