SERINO: THERE’S NO AGE LIMIT ON GIVING BACK

ALBANY, NY—With the month of May being designated ‘Older Americans Month’ and today, May 9^th, officially being designated as ‘Older New Yorkers Day,’ seniors from across the state came together to be recognized for their many contributions, as well as their service and volunteerism at a unique ceremony at the Hart Theatre Lounge in Albany.

“Today is about recognizing and celebrating the countless contributions of older New Yorkers who have spent generations turning New York into the leader it is today,” said Senator Sue Serino who chairs the Senate’s Aging Committee. “The older New Yorkers who were in Albany today have spent their lives contributing to our communities, and through their service and humility, they have inspired countless others to get involved. Today, we are reminded that there is no age limit on giving back.”

Serino joined representatives from the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and Donna Lupardo, Chair of the Assembly’s Committee on Aging, to honor the nearly 100 older New Yorkers in attendance who were selected by their local offices for the aging to be recognized for their commitment to their communities.

Serino also announced that a local older New Yorker, Mr. Edward Hallisey of Kent, was presented with the ‘Outstanding Contribution by an Older New Yorker’ award by the State Senate.

“Called ‘the ultimate volunteer’ by those who nominated him, a Navy veteran, a lifelong member of the Lake Carmel Fire Department, and ‘Renaissance man,’ Mr. Hallisey truly does it all and we are grateful to count him as a neighbor,” said Serino. “I am not only honored, I am truly humbled to recognize him as the recipient of the Senate’s Outstanding Contribution by an Older New Yorker award.”

According to the biography that was submitted along with his nomination, Mr. Hallisey has been a member of the Lake Carmel Fire Department since 1965, and he currently holds a position on the Lake Carmel Fire Police. At 80 years young, he is also a member of the Putnam County Fire Police Response Team and has been part of the RSVP Volunteer Medical Transportation Program for more than a decade. According to the nomination form, Ed is known throughout the community for never saying “no” and for a smile  that “is always a great joy to those with whom he so willingly shares his talents.”

Born in New Rochelle, Mr. Hallisey served in the US Navy for eight years and subsequently went on to work as a civil engineer. Married for over 50 years to his wife, Fran, Mr. Hallisey has four children and seven grandchildren.

Mr. Hallisey was honored by Serino and her colleagues on the floor of the State Senate.