Albany, May 6, 2009 - Governor David A. Paterson and New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) Director Michael Burgess today recognized the significant contributions of New York's older residents during the State's annual Senior Day on the Plaza, a day filled with events, presentations, entertainment and an award ceremony sponsored by NYSOFA, its Advisory Committees and Legislative partners. This year's theme for Senior Day is "Empowering Communities through Civic Engagement and Volunteerism." In addition, Governor Paterson issued a proclamation declaring May 2009 as Senior Citizen's Month in New York State.
"Each year, more than 680,000 older New Yorkers provide nearly 50 million hours of service in their communities. On this Senior Citizen's Day, we honor their outstanding and significant contributions, and recognize the positive impact each one of them makes each and every day," said Governor Paterson. "Today, I thank and congratulate all of New York's older residents for their service, hard work and dedication in making each one of their communities a better place to work, live and raise a family."
During the event, attended by several hundred participants, hundreds of older New Yorkers were recognized for their service to New York State. This year's Senior Citizen of the Year award, presented by the New York State Assembly, was awarded to Joseph Librizzi of Nassau County, and this year's Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen award, presented by the New York State Senate, was awarded to Floyd Powell of St. Lawrence County. In addition to these awards, hundreds of other older adults were presented with awards for their service and dedication to their communities.
NYSOFA Director Michael J. Burgess said: "We're honoring these older New Yorkers because thousands of them are volunteering in communities in which they live and contributing to the independence and well being of their peers, their families and their communities. I believe in the value of older adults as a community resource to help solve problems, volunteer, and share their wealth of experience and expertise."
Those attending the event included Senator Malcolm A. Smith, Senate Majority Leader, Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr., Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Aging, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging, Mark Walter, Executive Director of the NYS Commission on National and Community Service and awardees, accompanied by representatives of county offices for the aging from across the State. Also attending were members of the Governor's Advisory Committee on Aging and NYSOFA's Aging Services Advisory Committee, advocates for older New Yorkers, hundreds of New York's senior citizens and senior service providers.
For information about NYSOFA programs and services call our toll free Help line number at 1-800-342-9871 or visit www.aging.ny.gov.
Remarks of Mark Walter, Executive Director New York State Commission on National and Community Service
