QUEENS ELECTED OFFICIALS LAUNCH 22nd ANNUAL SENIOR APPRECIATION MONTH & ANNOUNCE MONTH LONG SERIES OF EVENTS

(Queens, NY) – This month, Southeastern Queens elected officials are thrilled to announce the 22nd Annual Senior Appreciation Month kick-off and press conference happening on Friday, September 27th, 2024, at 10:00 AM.The event will take place at the Roy Wilkins Recreation Center Gymnasium, located at 177-01 Baisley Blvd. in Jamaica, NY.

Senior Appreciation Month celebrates the contributions of Queens’ older adults and includes a full calendar of events designed to foster community, health, and entertainment for seniors across the borough. The kickoff press conference will highlight the exciting activities planned throughout the month, including a health fair, a bowling event, Monte Carlo night, a talent show, and a special Disco Inferno 70s themed party.

Elected officials, New York City & State agencies, community based organizations and others will speak about the importance of recognizing seniors and promoting their well-being through community initiatives. In addition to remarks from elected officials, representatives from local senior centers and community organizations will be in attendance to provide further details about upcoming events.

“​​For over 20 years, Senior Appreciation Month has been a beloved series of events that unite our community to honor and celebrate our elders.” said State Senator Leroy Comrie "This time of recognition reflects the deep respect we have for their contributions and ensures they are acknowledged as an integral part of Queens' vibrant fabric. I'm honored to contribute to the continuation of this legacy and incredibly appreciative of my community partners and colleagues' support and collaboration.”

Congressman Gregory Meeks: “We are truly grateful to our elders and seniors in the community, today and always, for the outstanding contributions they have made.” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05). “As a token of appreciation, I am pleased to invite seniors in NY’s Fifth Congressional District to my Senior Luncheon at Resorts World Casino on October 22nd as we ‘Rally for Democrats’ in the next crucial and consequential election. To reserve tickets or for more information, please contact my campaign office at 718-883-9800.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng: "I am thrilled to wish all seniors a very happy senior appreciation month! Our older adults have paved the path to where we are today and it is critical for us to show up for them. In Congress, I am proud to be a steadfast defender of Social Security and Medicare as well as other measures impacting seniors. I also want to recognize my grandma, who is 100 years old, the first person in my family to come to America. She is my personal, emotional and political mentor. I hope everyone lets their older adult loved ones know how important they are to them, and to recognize them not only this month, but throughout the year."

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams: “Seniors are the jewels of our community, whose sacrifices and contributions paved the way for our success today,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “I’m proud to join my Southeast Queens colleagues to co-host the annual Senior Appreciation Month this October, during which we uplift and celebrate our older adults through engaging events and activities. In this year’s city budget, the Council secured funding restorations and commitments to the Department for the Aging and allocated over $40 million for older adult services to support the health and well-being of our elders. These investments are critical to ensuring our older adults have the resources they need to thrive, and I encourage all seniors in Southeast Queens to take part in the festivities this month!”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr.: “Queens seniors deserve to be celebrated for all they have done throughout their lives to support and uplift our communities,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “I am deeply grateful that our borough’s seniors are so willing to share their vast accumulated wisdom and knowledge. I salute and thank all of our borough’s seniors and 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: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “I am honored to participate in the 22nd Anniversary of Senior Appreciation Month. It’s a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the rich experiences of our diverse, elder population in Queens. As the District Attorney, I am committed to keeping our seniors safe – protecting them from predators that often target their bank accounts and homes. Queens is the most diverse place on the planet and our thriving communities were built and maintained by our senior citizens. We owe it to our senior citizens to ensure their golden years are safe and that they may enjoy the quality of life they deserve after a lifetime of hard work.”

Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman: "As we approach October and recognize Senior Appreciation Month, I want to honor our elders' invaluable contributions and continue to make in our communities. Their wisdom, resilience, and leadership have shaped our neighborhoods and laid the foundation for future generations. It is our duty to ensure they receive the care, respect, and support they deserve; without them, none of this would be possible. Let’s take this opportunity to show our appreciation for all they’ve done and reaffirm our commitment to uplifting their quality of life.”

Assembly Member Clyde Vanel: “We are excited to celebrate our seniors who are an important part of our community . These events are a small token of our appreciation for their continued support in our daily lives.” Assemblyman Clyde Vanel

Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson: "I am thrilled to rejoin my colleagues to celebrate and honor our beloved older adults. They are sources of wisdom, faith, leadership, and community. For this year's Senior Appreciation Month, we will be working with Queens elected officials and community partners to host dynamic programs across the 31st Assembly District, with a focus on the health and wellness of our most valuable assets: our older adults."

Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers: “Seniors are the pillars of our community, and Senior Appreciation Month gives us the opportunity to celebrate their invaluable contributions while providing resources and events that foster connection and joy,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “From health fairs to game nights, we’re making sure that our older adults have access to activities that enrich their lives and promote well-being. I’m proud to stand alongside my colleagues and community partners in showing our deep respect and appreciation for Queens’ seniors, who continue to shape and strengthen our borough in countless ways.” 

Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams: "Senior Appreciation Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the invaluable contributions of our older adults who have built and sustained our communities over the years. I’m thrilled to host our second annual Senior Talent Show and showcase the amazing talents and creativity of our seniors. Together with my colleagues and under the leadership of Senator Leroy Comrie, we are proud to honor and uplift our seniors, who continue to inspire us all with their spirit, resilience, and wisdom." - Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams

Council Member Linda Lee: 

“Seniors have paved the way for us to thrive through their love, wisdom, and leadership, and they deserve the best we have to offer,” said Council Member Linda Lee. “Through their guidance and sacrifice, they have helped set the foundation for the thriving communities we know today. I look forward to celebrating Senior Appreciation Month with my Queens colleagues to uplift our older adults, and thank Senator Comrie and his team for spearheading the celebration every year.”

The press conference highlighted key events and partnerships involved in this initiative, with the goal of bringing together the community to recognize and support the senior population in Southeast Queens.

Senior appreciation month started as senior appreciation week back in 2002 as a collaboration of a few local offices and over time grew to include local, citywide, state and federal offices paying tribute to Southeastern Queens senior citizens. 

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