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Guests enjoyed a delicious birthday cake.
Guests enjoyed a delicious birthday cake.

Lewiston Senior Center celebrates May's Older Americans Month recognition

Fri, May 12th 2023 10:25 am

Special octogenarians & nonagenarians honored at luncheon

Article and Photos by Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

In its recognition of May 2023 as Older Americans Month, Town of Lewiston and Niagara County officials joined Tuesday with organizers at the Lewiston Senior Center to honor members marking 80 and 90 years of life.

Birthday honorees Pat Acome, Linda Fanizzi, Bill Geiben, Matthew Henschel, Mary Ann Ivey, Terry Jones, Margarate Shotwell and Art Taylor were recognized at the event, which also featured a luncheon and a special birthday cake.

“It’s because of their youth, their beauty, and their adventures that the Lewiston Senior Club celebrates these special individuals today,” event organizer and Senior Club member Paulette Glasgow said.

The affair saw many family members on hand to celebrate the day with some special octogenarians and nonagenarians.

Glasgow was joined in her remarks by Town of Lewiston Supervisor Steve Broderick, Town Clerk Donna Garfinkel, Town Board members and First District Niagara County Irene Myers. All came bearing proclamations and recognitions for Lewiston seniors, and especially those 80- and 90-year-old honorees for all they continue to do.

“The Lewiston Senior Center is represented on the Lewiston Town Board, and that’s something everyone here should appreciate,” Broderick said. “I think we’ve done a lot of nice things for the Senior Center. I would like to thank Bill; he is not running for reelection, but Bill Geiben is very much appreciated for what he has done for the Town of Lewiston.

“I think everybody on the board values our seniors; we want to make the programs better (here). I want everyone to come out and enjoy themselves. We would love for more outside activities; we’re probably going to put some investment into the bocce court here.

“We really do enjoy the Senior Center and everything the seniors mean to the Town of Lewiston. We’re all going to be there one day, so we really want to make this place shine. We appreciate it. I appreciate everyone on our staff here … Melinda, Carol, Patty, everybody. Everyone does a great job and cares about this place.”

Honored 80- and 90-year-old guests Pat Acome, Linda Fanizzi, Bill Geiben, Matthew Henschel, Mary Ann Ivey, Terry Jones, Margarate Shotwell and Art Taylor were recognized Tuesday at the Lewiston Senior Center celebration of Older Americans Month.

Town of Lewiston Supervisor Steve Broderick offered remarks and presented a town proclamation. Joining him were town officials, First District Niagara County Legislator Irene Myers and Paulette Glasgow.

••••••••

Reading the proclamation recognizing May as Older Americans month 2023, he continued, “Whereas seniors in the United States lend to the success of our country, in many ways by sharing their knowledge, talents and abilities, that not only benefit their well-being but also the citizens of our great nation; and whereas the Town of Lewiston is proud of our senior citizens, Lewiston is a better place to live work and enjoy because of their constant enthusiasm and energy; and whereas seniors in Lewiston continue to reach out to all those residents young and old, who wish to share in their programs and activities on a daily basis; now therefore let it be known, recognizing the efforts and an expression of pride and gratitude of seniors residents, the Lewiston Town Board proclaims the month of May 2023 to be Older Americans month.”

Thank you very much; we appreciate it.”

Myers also offered goodwill to the seniors on hand, stating, “Thank you for having me here today to help in this celebration.”

In reading the county’s proclamation, she continued, “This gives (us) an ample reason this year to reserve a special day in honor of older Americans who mean so much.

“Older Americans are reinforcing their historical roles as leaders and links with our sense of purpose as individuals and as a nation. … Older Americans are making their presence felt for the benefit of others.”

She added, “For all they have achieved in their life, what they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. … Be it resolved the Niagara County Legislature does hereby proclaim this month of May 2023 as Older Americans Month.”

“On behalf of myself and Chairwoman Rebecca Wydysh, we want to say happy birthday to all, also. Thank you for all you do and continue to do.”

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