Group honors seniors at Plainview event
To honor senior citizens who have devoted their time to their community and in celebration of National Grandparents Day, the Association of General Experts for Seniors (AGES) arranged an award ceremony and banquet on Saturday at the Plainview Holiday Inn.
Amongst the savvy senior honorees were Plainview award winners Clara Rogus, Claire Millman, Charles Kirschen, and Rachel and Frank Staino who were all acknowledged for their achievements.
Each senior citizen honoree was individually recognized with a savvy senior award and speech. Along with the award ceremony, the honorees were treated to lunch, live music, dancing escapades, and a special performance by Claira
Miller who sung her song, “Senior America”. Family members and friends also gathered to show their support for their loved ones on the special occasion.
AGES is dedicated to services that enhance the quality of life for seniors and caregivers by offering information and sensible choices that promote health, well-being, financial stability, and longevity.
Rita Medaglio-Barrera, AGES Chair, was especially enthralled about the event.
“This is an exciting event for the seniors and their families because we are honoring them today,” she said. “There is no greater way to express our gratitude and thanks for their contribution by honoring them at this wonderful event.”
Plainview pair Rachel, who has been a Plainview-Old Bethpage Senior Club Organizer for 25 years, and Frank Staino, who drove club members to excursions for several years, received a much deserved Savvy Senior award. Legislator, Judy
Jacobs, of the 16th Legal District nominated the Staino’s. She explained Rachel as the “lifeblood” of the club, and Frank as the “enforcer.”
“I’ve really donated all these years to the senior club,” said Rachel. “Ever since I’ve been out of school, I’ve helped the handicapped, the blind, and the mentally impaired. I decided to help seniors because my parents were getting older.
Ever since, I’ve donated my life to seniors to improve their lives by taking them out to lunches, parties, places to exercise, and events.”
Amongst the Plainview nominees, Claire Millman, 2003 Woman of Distinction, a Miss NY senior America Organization member, and guardian angel for a smoke free environment for 40 years, also received a Savvy Senior award for her outstanding accomplishments.
“I’m truly honored to be here today,” said Millman, who originated the appeals for smoking restriction laws in Nassau and Suffolk County. “I want to show others that you can do anything at any age if you have the desire and health… It is wonderful.”
Charles Kirschen, a Plainview resident for 53 years was also honored with a Savvy Senior Award. The program coordinator of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Senior Club gathers speakers, entertainers, and other forms of entertainment for members to enjoy.
Savvy Senior Honoree, Clara Rogus had also received an award for her volunteer work at the North Shore University Hospital. Rogus who said she is blessed to be able to do all that she can represents the “Sandwich Generation,” which is a specific generation of people who care for their aging parents while supporting their own children. She is a proud mother, and a grandmother of a 4-year-old who she takes care of frequently. She also takes care of her 93-year-old mother who is in a nursing home bound as well as her elderly husband.
To learn more about AGES and the many resources that they provide visit www.agesresourcenetwork.com.
