Two Jefferson County senior citizens that earned statewide honors for their volunteer activities in the community and commitment to Office for the Aging programs were also recognized at the recent Jefferson County Office for the Aging annual senior picnic at Westcott Beach in Henderson.
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, honored Deanna Getman, Watertown, and Karen Norton, Rodman, for their good work. They were presented with citations from the New York State Assembly recognizing their commitment and contributions to their communities. Fellow Assembly member Ken Blankenbush was also in attendance at the event.
In April 1963, President John F. Kennedy met with the National Council on Senior Citizens and their meeting was the foundation for an annual observation of May as Senior Citizen's Month. Every President since has issued a formal proclamation asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities during the month of May.
In New York State, Governor Andrew Cuomo wanted to bring attention to the contributions made by older New Yorkers who continue to give of their time and efforts to make their communities better places for residents of all ages.
Honorees are chosen through a selection process based on their volunteer activities in the community and commitment to Office for the Aging programs and services. The Jefferson County Office for the Aging selected Ms.Getman and Ms. Norton for the honor, and they were invited to Albany for a Senior Citizen’s Day Celebration earlier this year.
Ms. Getman has volunteered at the New York State Zoo at Thompson Park, the 4-H, the local Methodist Church and has been helping staff at the Office for the Aging spread the word about aging services to people in the community since 2012.
"Volunteering is a way of giving back to one's community; it's a commitment to be actively engaged in helping people when they need assistance," she noted.
Ms. Norton has worked closely with Literacy Volunteers of Northern New York, the local AARP chapter and is currently a member of the Office for the Aging Advisory Council.
She said there are three factors that influenced her decision to volunteer. "The first is simply the fun of interacting with my fellow human beings. The others are a drive to learn new things and a moral obligation to respond the needs of others in the community," she said.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell joined representatives from the Jefferson County Office for the Aging to recognize two women who earned recognition earlier this year for their contributions to the Office for the Aging and their volunteer work in their communities. Pictured are (l-r): honoree Karen Norton, honoree Deanna Getman, Jefferson County Office for the Aging Deputy Director Louise Haraczka and Jefferson County Office for the Aging Director Peter Fazio.
BOTTOM PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell presents Deanna Getman, Watertown, a citation from the New York State Assembly, honoring her for her volunteer work in the Watertown area and her active support for Jefferson County Office for the Aging programs and activities.
The Jefferson County Office for the Aging's annual senior citizen picnic once again drew a large crowd to Westcott Beach in Henderson.
