Oswego County Recognizes 2026 Seniors of the Year

by Contributor | May 22, 2026 10:24 am

OSWEGO COUNTY – In celebration of May as National Older Americans Month, the Oswego County Office for the Aging (OFA) has selected James and Karen O’Brien as its 2026 Seniors of the Year. The award serves to recognize seniors for their contributions to their communities.

“Senior volunteers prove that experience, compassion and purpose only grow stronger with age,” said Oswego County Legislator Michael Solowy, District 23, chairman of the Legislature’s Human Services Committee. “Through their dedication and experience, they enrich communities, inspire future generations and show that a lifelong commitment to serving others is one of the most meaningful contributions a person can make.”

Oswego County OFA Director Sara Sunday added, “We’re excited to announce James and Karen O’Brien as our 2026 Seniors of the Year. They have volunteered for years across a variety of organizations, showing a strong and inspiring commitment to giving back to their communities. Their time, energy and compassion have a meaningful impact, and we’re proud to recognize them for all that they do.”

The O’Briens have been volunteers with the OFA’s Home Delivered Meals Program since January 2022. The pair are substitute volunteers who fill in for other drivers. Despite often having little advanced notice, they’re always willing to lend a hand, even on hectic days or in bad weather. Since their time with the program, they have contributed more than 200 hours of volunteer work.

James and Karen also serve their community as volunteers for the Fulton Garden Club and the John Wells Pratt House Museum.

Before volunteering, James and Karen made a difference through their careers as educators. James retired from CiTi BOCES as a culinary teacher, while Karen is a retired special education director.

The O’Briens were presented with a proclamation by the Oswego County Legislature in recognition of their volunteerism at the May legislative meeting. They will also be recognized by the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) at a ceremony on May 26 at The Desmond Hotel in Albany.

Each year, NYSOFA requests nominations of seniors in recognition of their volunteer work and service to their communities. Oswego County OFA extends the request to county citizens and a committee appointed by OFA’s advisory council makes the selection. To be eligible, nominees must be age 60 or over and be active volunteers.

For more information on the Oswego County Office for the Aging and its services, call 315-349-3484 or visithttps://www.oswegocountyny.gov/departments/human_services/office_for_the_aging[1].

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/oswego-county-recognizes-2026-seniors-of-the-year/

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