Happy Older New Yorkers’ Day!

The New York State Office for the Aging celebrated Older New Yorkers’ Day recently with a video presentation recognizing 90 honorees statewide for their service, including Anna Swalgin, of Sherrill, who was nominated by the Oneida County Office for the Aging for her exceptional service to older adults and others in the community. 

Congratulations to Anna Swalgin.  For the last five years, Swalgin has created ornaments and sent cards to over 200 residents of the local extended care facility. She has assembled tote bags for cancer treatment patients and, every holiday, sends cards to current and past parishioners of her church through its Card Ministry.

She has also taught vacation Bible school for six years and serves food at her church’s Wacky Wednesday event, which offers a free weekly meal to families.

Swalgin said that she finds great joy in making and giving away her work. After 30 years, she retired from the Madison Cortland ARC, where she started out as an industrial laborer, moved up to become a phone attendant, and spent 22 years as a supervisor.

Also receiving recognition were Nathaniel “Nat” Virkler, of Lowville, and Doug Capraro, of West Winfield. A virtual celebration has been released on social media; and a video recognition presentation, along with remarks from state officials, was released on the state Office for the Aging website.

We extend a special salute to those folks over age of 50 who account for the majority of volunteering, philanthropy, and donation activities in the U.S. What would we do without them?