Orange County Office for the Aging Open for Senior Award Nominations

Orange County residents older than 60 have the opportunity to be recognized for their contributions to the community.

Legislator Robert C. Sassi (L), Chairwoman Katherine E. Bonelli (C-L), Program Coordinator of the Orange County Office for the Aging Melanie Tanner (C), Marie Orchard (C-R), and Deputy County Executive Harry Porr (R) at the Orange County Government Center in the City of Goshen, New York, on June 6, 2024. Courtesy of the Orange County Government

MOUNT HOPE, N.Y.—The Orange County Office for the Aging is accepting nominations for the 2026 Senior Citizen of the Year and Outstanding Contribution by a Senior awards.

County Executive Steve Neuhaus said in a Feb. 4 announcement that seniors are an important part of Orange County and its communities.

“They are volunteers, mentors, caregivers, and leaders who give their time, wisdom, and energy to make Orange County a better place for all generations,” Neuhaus said.

He said the honors are also an expression of thanks to people who have contributed to their communities.

“These individuals deserve to be celebrated for the dedication and service that strengthen our community every day,” he said.

Nominees must be 60 or older, must be Orange County residents, and must have been unpaid volunteers for the services they performed.

There are three award categories: Senior Citizen of the Year, Outstanding Contribution by a Senior, and Senior Friendly Business.

Senior Citizen of the Year will be awarded to a senior who has an outstanding record of dedication to the community, consistently volunteers, and has leadership abilities.

The Outstanding Contribution by a Senior award will be awarded to a senior who has unique achievements, provides a special service to the community, and volunteers consistently.

The Office of the Aging collaborates with the Orange County Senior Council to give the Senior Friendly Business award, which goes to a business that shows outstanding dedication to the community and seniors, provides unique services to seniors, and has a respectful, welcoming, and positive atmosphere.

Recipients will be acknowledged by the New York State Office for the Aging in Albany on May 26.

Director of the Orange County Office for the Aging Danielle Diana-Smith said in the announcement, “Every year, we’re inspired by the remarkable older adults who give back, lead by example, and make a real difference in our communities.”

In a Feb. 10 email, Diana-Smith told The Epoch Times about one particular senior she remembered, the 2024 Outstanding Contribution by a Senior winner Marie Orchard.

When she won the award, Orchard was 100 years old and had been volunteering at the Mulberry House Senior Center in the City of Middletown since 1997, helping with everything from bingo games and collecting membership dues to writing newsletters.

Diana-Smith recalled that Orchard replied when asked about advice for volunteering: “Volunteering makes you feel good, and it’s nice to help other people. Volunteering and staying busy keeps you from sitting around and getting old.”

Diana-Smith told The Epoch Times that winners are decided by a committee that meets yearly. The committee is made up of previous award winners, Office for the Aging staff, and senior council board members. Nominees’ identifying information is redacted, so names are kept confidential until a winner is announced.

Nominations are due by March 2.