Queens Elected Officials Launch 20th Annual Senior Appreciation Month & Announce Monthlong Series of Events

Photos available on Onedrive: Senior Appreciation Month Launch 

Queens, NY – On Friday, September 2nd elected officials joined together to launch the 20th annual Senior Appreciation Month at Roy Wilkins Gym (177th St and Baisley Blvd, Jamaica, NY) with an audience of more than 100 seniors from Queens neighborhoods. Senior Appreciation Month events have been put together through a collaboration of elected officials at multiple levels of government in Queens.  

The calendar of events for Senior Appreciation Month 2022 includes a limited number of opportunities to attend events at Gracie Mansion, as well as mini-golf, jazz concerts, senior line dancing, a tour of the Queens Botanical Garden, resource fairs, virtual workshops, a vigil in memory of those lost to COVID and honoring essential workers, a senior prom, and a limited number of free tickets to one of two NY Mets games. Community residents should contact the sponsoring elected official’s office to RSVP for an event they are interested in attending. For those currently “to be decided” events, the calendar will be updated with further details as the month progresses – community residents should reach out to the office sponsoring the event for updates (as events are subject to change) and community residents should stay tuned to elected officials’ social media accounts for the most up-to-date information on updates or alterations to the calendar of events.   

Senator Leroy Comrie said, “Now in its 20th year, Senior Appreciation Month honors the invaluable, lifelong contributions seniors make to our shared communities. In addition to building community and fostering intergenerational connections, Senior Appreciation Month gives us an opportunity to share resources and information. This year, our reconnecting in-person is especially important as we strive to ensure we continue to look out for one another. I am grateful to the numerous colleagues, community partners, volunteers, sponsors, and community residents who make Senior Appreciation month possible. ” 

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06)  said, “I am so pleased to be participating in the 20th annual Senior Appreciation Month kick off event! Senior Appreciation Month is a great tradition here in Queens and one that I look forward to every year. Seniors are vital and active members in every neighborhood and their wisdom and intimate knowledge of the community helps guide many elected officials in making the best decisions for our constituencies. I look forward to all of the events, celebrations and good times over the next month and wish all participating an awesome Senior Appreciation Month!”

“I am excited to join my colleagues as we celebrate and honor our beloved seniors,” said Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson. “Our seniors are faith leaders, veterans, community advocates, trusted neighbors, and family members. This Senior Appreciation Month we are proud of our dynamic programs across the 31st Assembly District.  I look forward to collaborating to host this month’s events that include free Senior Fitness and Nutrition programs, Furry Friends Festival, Boogie in Brookville Park, and Day Bowling.”

Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman said, “As we transition into the month of September, for the 20th year we celebrate Senior Appreciation Month. The guidance and life lessons of our seniors must serve as a true testament for the younger generations to follow. The wisdom that is provided should be respected, as their life experiences afforded us essential liberties that we all can enjoy today. I am proud to know that what was initiated originally as a weeklong honoring in 2002, is now a much deserved and fitting opportunity for us to celebrate those who endured the obstacles of life before us. This month, we will be able to show our appreciation and support Seniors by hosting various activities throughout the district, which includes dancing, luncheons, providing giveaways and many more. Let us continue to attend to them as they took their time to nurture us.” 

Assemblyman David I. Weprin said, “Seniors have contributed so much wisdom to our societies, but we genuinely do not appreciate them enough for all they have given. Our senior citizens are important to our community and I will continue to fight for their well fare and honor them for their contribution to society.” 

“Our seniors have set a great example for all of us as they have shown us how to handle adversity with perseverance, tenacity, and a concern for others,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.  “I salute all of our borough’s seniors for being amazing people and outstanding contributors to our society. I look forward to showing our gratitude to them during all the wonderful events that will take place during Senior Appreciation Month.” 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “Our senior citizens have paved the way for generations of community members and leaders. They deserve the very best our neighborhoods have to offer. It gives me great pleasure to honor our seniors by co-sponsoring enriching and entertaining programs throughout the month of September. I thank Senator Leroy Comrie for putting together these great events and hope all of our seniors enjoy Senior Appreciation Month.” 

"Our older adults are the backbone of the community, and I am committed to providing enriching programming well into their golden years," said NYC Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. "In collaboration with community institutions such as Braata Productions, the Bartlett Foundation, City Park Foundation and Elizabeth Madison of Weight Loss Transformation Center, our featured programming encourages socialization, healthy activities and highlights the vitality of southeast Queens older adults. Thank you to Senator Comrie and my esteemed elected colleagues on the 20th Annual Senior Appreciation Month." 

“Seniors are the pillars of our community whose wisdom and guidance pave the way for the next generation to thrive, and they deserve the very best we have to offer,” said Council Member Linda Lee. “As we continue to emerge from the pandemic that forced us to isolate and lose contact with our loved ones, I am proud to join in and help put together enjoyable events for our seniors so that we can show them our gratitude and how much they mean to our neighborhoods. Thank you to Senator Leroy Comrie for leading the way in organizing Senior Appreciation Month, and all of the community partners who have pitched in for the events that we are excited to host.”  

Senior Appreciation Month began as Senior Appreciation Week in 2002 and became a monthlong celebration in 2007. In past years, events have included senior proms, nature hikes, game nights, informational luncheons, fashion shows, bowling, town halls, musical celebrations, and more. During the most challenging periods in the pandemic, Senior Appreciation Month shifted to virtual events, 2022 marks the first year where most events will be in person and will include a limited number of virtual events. 

20th Annual Senior Appreciation Month - September 2022 
(Calendar subject to change, please check with individual sponsor's office for updates)

Press Contact: Ean Fullerton (he/him/his),  718-765-6359, fullerto[ -AT- ]nysenate.gov 

About Senator Comrie:

New York State Senator Leroy Comrie grew up in the community he now represents, the 14th Senate District in Queens. He attended P.S. 116, I.S. 8, Jamaica High School, and went on to the University of Bridgeport. He is a lifelong member of Saint Alban the Martyr Episcopal Church, a father of two adult children, and husband celebrating his thirty-second wedding anniversary this year. Having served as president of the local Community School Board, he went on to represent the community for twelve years in the New York City Council. Elected to the State Senate in 2014, Senator Comrie believes that government must be responsive to the needs of all people. In addition to drafting and sponsoring legislation, his office serves as a conduit to connect residents with resources, interface with State government, and meet community needs. Whether those needs are ensuring quality education, healthcare, services for seniors, youth, or small business, or needs in terms of advancing policy for public safety, sustainable economic development, or other, vital community concerns — Senator Comrie is a passionate advocate for Southeast Queens and for all New Yorkers.

###