County honors outstanding local seniors

CATSKILL―April showers bring more than May flowers as evidenced by the Greene County Legislature’s recent hosting of the Department of Human Services senior awards.

Lawmakers gathered at their monthly May meeting for the annual presentations as part of the national celebration of Older Americans Month.

More than one-fifth of Greene County’s population is comprised of citizens 65 years of age or older. The county, “benefits greatly from the dedication, community involvement and civic awareness of its senior residents,” the proclamation states.

Carol Pfister of Athens was named Senior Citizen of the Year, being a “strong and active presence within her community.”

“For more than two decades, she has served the Athens Cultural Center Board as treasurer and bookkeeper, demonstrating steadfast commitment, professionalism and financial expertise,” the award states.

Pfister currently serves on the executive, building and finance committees while also chairing the Athens Victorian Stroll each years.

“She has served as president and treasurer of the D.R. Evarts Library and under her leadership, successfully transformed the library’s lower level from a dirt floor into a functional and vibrant community space,” according to the county.

She also serves Community Action of Greene County through the volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, sharing her extensive knowledge as a retired auditor and manager for the Internal Revenue Service.

Pfister founded the Village of Athens Flower Program and together, with her husband Chris, “brings friendship and good cheer to homebound seniors by volunteering to deliver meals through the Department of Human Services,” the award states.

Kathleen “Kathie” Callan of East Durham was selected for the Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen award.

Callan has, “followed the admirable footsteps of her parents, giving freely and selflessly to her community,” the award states.

“For over 30 years, she has served as a faithful member of the St. John the Baptist Church in Greenville where she currently serves as lector and Rosary leader and offers devoted service at Our Lady of Knock Shrine,” the award notes.

“Kathie is a dedicated member of the Crafty Angels, crafting handmade items for numerous service agencies including the Greene County Veterans Service Agency,” according to the county. “She was a regular donor with the American Red Cross, and freely gives of her time to assist others…driving family or friends to medical appointments or offering simple acts of kindness, such as caring for their pets.”

“Kathie faithfully practices God’s word and lives by the belief that one should not withdraw from life or sit idle, but rather should share their gifts, volunteer their time and remain engaged in service to others,” the award states.

Commendation certificates were awarded to Joyce Andreassen of Catskill and Gordon Mosher of Athens.

The certificates are presented “in recognition and appreciation for outstanding contributions for the people of Greene County.”

Those contributions come in many forms including, “tireless and unselfish volunteer service and in upholding the highest standards of humanitarianism and fellowship toward our community.”