Long Island Seniors Shine at AGES Fifth Annual Savvy Senior Day

LongIsland.com

Seniors across Long Island were recently honored for their accomplishments during AGES' Fifth Annual Savvy Senior Day.

Print Email

New Hyde Park, NY - October 15th, 2014 - More than 150 family members from across Long Island recently gave their beloved seniors the royal treatment during the Association of Generational Experts for Seniors’ (AGES) Fifth Annual “Savvy Senior Day” at Parker Jewish Institute in New Hyde Park, which was hosted by Parker Jewish Institute and AgeWell New York. The year’s celebratory event recognized 30 senior citizens across Nassau and Suffolk for their vast accomplishments and contributions made within their communities, including 74-year-old William Young of Huntington and 92-year-old Lillian Guadagno of Valley Stream, who were crowned 2014 King and Queen, respectively, and were awarded gift certificates for professional studio portraits, courtesy of Bradford Renaissance Portraits.

“It is so uplifting to be able to celebrate each year the many extraordinary seniors that not only live within but also actively contribute to our communities,” says AGES Chairperson Kevin Lawrence. “There are so many seniors living on Long Island who remain agile and active on Long Island. AGES’ annual Savvy Senior Day is designed to provide seniors with a special public forum where they can deservingly shine among friends and family. Thanks to its amazing public following and strong participation, Savvy Senior Day has grown since its establishment five years ago and has had the privilege of honoring many wonderful seniors each year.”

Young, who was crowned 2014 Savvy Senior King by 2013 King Frank Zizzo of Levittown, received this honor for his community volunteerism and contributions made to Town of Huntington’s Senior Center and Beach House. Among his other charitable efforts are distributing self-purchased gifts to local churches for children receiving free meals, promoting hope and encouragement by meeting local soldiers and veterans at Northport VA Hospital by meeting with them and giving them hand-crafted flowers, assisting with citizenship preparation classes at Chinatown Senior Center in Manhattan, NY, and donating his hand-made flowers to fundraisers in support of various causes, including breast cancer.

“It means a lot to be named Savvy Senior King,” says Young. “If I can continue to be involved and make a difference at my age, everyone else can do the same. Savvy Senior Day is a wonderful thing. It’s a great vehicle for giving back to the many seniors who have done and continue to do great things and hopefully inspires others to stay active within their own communities.”

Guadagno was named Savvy Senior Queen for her 20-year activism with Long Island Society of Italian Americans (LISIA), which includes serving as an Executive Board member for the past 12 years. As part of her involvement with LISIA, Guadagno has helped organize day an overnight trips as Recreation Director, served as Chairperson for its Scholarship Committee, and has been committee member for LISIA’s St Joseph’s, Columbus Day and Christmas Dance Celebrations. Among her other charitable contributions are servings as a volunteer with the Valley Stream and Nassau County Auxiliary Police Departments, participating in the American Red Cross’ Widow & Widowers Group after her husband’s passing, and volunteering with AARP Tax Aid. She has also been a social member with the Red Hat Ladies, Catholic Golden Age, Sons of Italy-Celini Lodge and Broadway Theater Group.    

“I was in total shock when I was announced Queen, it came so unexpected,” explains Ms. Guadagno. “Being crowned ‘Savvy Senior Queen’ among friends and family was so humbling and uplifting. Earning this recognition is a direct reflection on the many activities and experiences I’ve had the privilege of enjoying with so many wonderful people over the past 20 years of my life. It is such a great honor!”

Adds Guadagno, “AGES’ Savvy Senior Day provides such an important role within today’s senior community. Not only does it allow seniors the opportunity to be acknowledged for their many accomplishments but it also inspires us as seniors to continue being active contributors and achievers within the communities we live in.”

The Association of Generational Experts for Seniors (AGES) is an independent network of highly qualified, caring and knowledgeable professionals from family and senior related fields. AGES has been created in the New York Metropolitan area for the purpose of addressing the needs and challenges that face many families today. Working within a cohesive resource team that addresses the concerns and needs of today’s senior citizens and “sandwiched” generation (adult children caregivers), AGES members apply their personal skill-sets to help guide seniors and family caregivers toward an improved quality of life. For more information, please visit www.agesresourcenetwork.com.

###

Pictured at the Association of Generational Experts for Seniors’ (AGES) Fifth Annual Savvy Senior Day (front, left to right) are 2014 crowned Savvy Senior Queen Lillian Guadagno of Valley Stream, NY and crowned Savvy Senior King William Young of Huntington with (back, from left to right) AGES Chairperson Kevin Lawrence and AGES Savvy Senior Day Committee Chairperson Rita Medaglio-Barrera.

 

Photos