ALBANY, NY — The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) recently honored 100 older adults for their extraordinary volunteerism as part of NYSOFA’s annual Older New Yorkers’ Day celebration. 

New York’s 59 county and municipal offices for the aging and their partners nominate older adults who have made their communities stronger, vibrant and welcoming through their remarkable volunteer and civic contributions.

The theme of Older Americans Month 2025 is “Flip the Script on Aging” to focus on transforming how society perceives, talks about and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions. 

The honorees are recognized for their support of charitable causes, their work with local health care and human services organizations, grassroots civic contributions, volunteer work with emergency management corps, local fundraising activities and so much more. This year’s honorees have collectively volunteered more than 3,000 years of service, raised 243 children, 420 grandchildren, 122 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Fifteen are Veterans.

Each year, since 1963, federal, state and local governments have recognized Older Americans Month. New York State observes Older New Yorkers’ Day by collecting nominations of exceptional older adults from county-based offices for the aging.

Sullivan County awardees:

Sullivan County’s Gayle Irving and Sabina Toomey travelled to Albany to each receive the NYS Office for the Aging’s “Older New Yorker” award.

“Gayle and Sabina exemplify the kind of 55+ volunteers we have in our County,” said Sullivan County Office for the Aging director Lise-Anne Deoul, who accompanied the duo to the ceremony. “They give without thought of getting anything in return, but I’m so happy that the state was able to recognize them in this wonderful way!”

Irving volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association and currently serves as a community representative, community educator, and on the Orange/Sullivan Walk to End Alzheimer’s committee. “Don’t let opportunities to help others pass by,” the Grahamsville resident says. “By giving your time and skills, volunteering strengthens community bonds and supports those in need. It also creates positive change by learning new perspectives and building a more resilient, compassionate New York. You will find the reward is priceless.”

For 22 years, Toomey has been a very involved member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Advisory Council Fundraising Committee and a member of the Sullivan County Office of Aging Advisory Council. This past year, as a member of her Sullivan County Women’s Group, she engaged in a passionate effort to educate the community and legislators about domestic violence and the current status of support available in her county. “I genuinely feel that volunteering helps me pay back for what I have been given: family, friends, a beautiful place to live and work, enough to eat, a warm place to sleep and ... the peace of mind knowing that I have helped someone else feel thankful, too.”

“These dedicated individuals are powering connections in so many profound ways, and New York State expresses profound gratitude for this spirit of altruism, which is a legacy of lasting benefit and inspiration to all New Yorkers,” stated Gov. Kathy Hochul, who proclaimed May as Older Americans Month in New York State.