Sue Denesha was named the winner of the Jackie Sears Award, Barbara Page received the Citizen of the Year Award and Marie Wood was honored with the Outstanding Contributor Award.
"It was inspirational to listen to the work these women have done to improve the lives of their neighbors and all residents of St. Lawrence County. They demonstrate the impact folks can have when they spend time helping others, and I'm certain all three women would say the benefits they get back from their volunteer work is far greater than the time and effort they give to their volunteer work," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
They set a high bar for younger members of their communities to reach and demonstrate the impact our seniors have in our communities, and is appropriate they are recognized in May, which is celebrated as Older Americans Month," she added
"We have a number of relatively 'young retirees' in the North Country, and the work of these three women demonstrates the positive impact volunteering a few hours each week to help others can have on our region," according to Assemblywoman Jenne.
Ms. Denesha, a member of the Gouverneur Club, was recognized her volunteer work at the Maplewood Health Care and Rehabilitation Center and her tireless support for the Alzheimer's support groups in the region. She has also led the annual Memory Walk in the region that has raised approximately $40,000 per year. She has been involved with the effort for over a decade, starting in 2003 when she was seeking to better understand the issues facing her father.
Ms. Page, a member of the Parishville Club and the former owner of Reflections restaurant in that community, was honored for her work with the Amish community, for revitalizing her local senior club as its president, for providing transportation to seniors for medical appointments and for her famous homemade doughnuts made for all the community fundraisers. It was also noted during the Ice Storm of 1998 Ms. Page provided housing and food to 24 citizens.
Ms. Wood, a member of the Clifton-Fine Club, has been very active since retiring from her position at Fort Drum five years ago. She has devoted time to planning a number of activities for club members and is an active volunteer for a number of community groups, including the American Legion Auxiliary at Mervin Eno Post 1539, the Clifton-Fine Hospital Auxiliary and the Wednesday night free dinners at her church.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (right) presents a citation from the New York State Assembly honoring Barbara Page of Parishville for being named the St. Lawrence County Council of Senior Citizens, Inc., Citizen of the Year.
BOTTOM PHOTOS:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (right) congratulates Sue Denesha after she was named the winner of the the St. Lawrence County Council of Senior Citizens, Inc., Jackie Sears Award winner. Sue's husband, County Legislator Larry Denesha, announced the award.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (left) presents a citation from the New York State Assembly honoring Marie Wood for being named the St. Lawrence County Council of Senior Citizens, Inc., Outstanding Contributor Award winner. Andrea Montgomery, director of the St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging, is shown in the background.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (left) poses for a photograph with Marie Wood (left) and Barbara Page (center) at the St. Lawrence County Council of Senior Citizens 46th annual May Festival. Ms. Wood received the Outstanding Contributor Award, and Ms. Page was named the Citizen of the Year.
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (left) poses for a photograph with Sue Denesha at the St. Lawrence County Council of Senior Citizens 46th annual May Festival. Ms. Denesha received the Jackie Sears Award for her work in the community.
Barbara Page asked Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne to join them for a family photo after the Parishville woman was named the recipient of the St. Lawrence County Council of Senior Citizens Citizen of the Year Award.
