Longtime Fort Drum Uso Volunteer Mary Parry to Be Named Senator Ritchie's “Senior of the Year”

Senior Health Fair Wednesday in Watertown--CLICK HERE TO PRE-REGISTER

State Senator Patty Ritchie is announcing that she will honor longtime USO volunteer Mary Parry with her “Senior of the Year” award at the Senior Health and Wellness Fair, taking place at the Watertown Fairgrounds Arena on Wednesday.

“For more than 70 years, Mary Parry has been a dedicated and dependable USO volunteer, inspiring others to join the cause and supporting our nation’s brave troops and their families,” said Senator Ritchie.

“I am thrilled to be able to present Mary with this award, and can’t thank her enough for the work she has done to support the men and women who serve—especially those who call Fort Drum ‘home’.”

CLICK HERE TO WATCH A NEWZJUNKY VIDEO OF MARY PARRY

Mary Parry has played an active role in the USO since its formation; beginning with her involvement in 1941 as a teenager at the Sampson Naval Base’s USO at Seneca Lake and eventually going to work at the Seneca Ordinance Depot.

In 1959, she and her husband Walter moved to Watertown and became involved with the local USO, where Mary oversaw operations of the facility, which served reserve soldiers at what was then called “Camp Drum.” Since then, she has continued to volunteer with the organization.

Senator Ritchie will present Mary with her “Senior of the Year” award at the Jefferson County Senior Fair, taking place on Wednesday, September 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Watertown Fairgrounds Arena.  Senator Ritchie will present Mary with the award, as well as an official Senate Resolution honoring her for her service to the USO.

Those interested in attending the Senior Health and Wellness Fair can preregister at www.ritchie.nysenate.gov.  The free event will feature more than 65 local organizations offering health screenings, flu shots and other tips for living a healthy lifestyle.  Lunch and entertainment by the Country Stompers—both sponsored by Senator Ritchie—will also be provided.

Last year, nearly 2,000 seniors attended Senator Ritchie’s Health and Wellness Fairs held in Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties.

Senator Ritchie will host two more Senior Health and Wellness Fairs this Fall.  In Oswego County, the fair will take place on October 9th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Fulton War Memorial and in St. Lawrence County, it will take place on October 23rd from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Ogdensburg Oddfellows.