By Michael Ryan
CATSKILL - Taking a moment to breathe in the roses of human interaction, Greene County Legislature members brought attention to residents who impact others in integral ways, at a recent meeting.
Lawmakers, earlier this year, had proclaimed May as “Older Americans Month,” part of a nationwide pausing of appreciation, following up that declaration with specific mention of the actions of a few.
Sylvia Hasenkopf was named the county’s Senior Citizen of the Year with Steven Whateley noted for Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen.
“Greene County is indeed fortunate to have numerous older residents who contribute their talents and energies on behalf of their fellow citizens,” a legislative commendation states.
“The national theme for Older Americans Month this year is “Powered by Connection” and Sylvia Hasenkopf of Cairo has lived in Greene County for 27 years, giving strength to her community during that time.
“In 1999, she created the “Tracing Your Root in Greene County” website to research Greene County history and genealogy, and has been active with the Greene County Historical Society since 2000.
“She has been active with the Cairo Historical Society since 2010, has served as president of the Society since 2017, is responsible for the Society’s “Capital Campaign” and is the editor of the Cairo Herald, their quarterly journal.
“Sylvia has been instrumental in the Cairo Hometown Heroes Banner program and co-authored a book on the subject in 2016, also compiling a diary of letters entitled “May God Have Mercy on my Soul,” in 2013.
“She has been responsible for 11 historical makers within the town of Cairo and has given numerous lectures on Greene County and Cairo history.
Hasenkopf, in 2015, was awarded, from Greene County, the Ellen Rettus Planning Achievement Award for her banner wok and in 2017 was named Zadock Pratt Benefit honoree.
“In 2023, Sylvia received Small Business of the Year recognition for her work with the local online newspaper “Porcupine Soup.”
“We congratulate her for this achievement and offer our best wishes for happiness and contentment in the coming years.”
Similar sentiments were expressed for Whateley who is a “member of the Athens Senior Citizens Club and has volunteered for the past ten years,” the commendation states.
“He donates his time to the Athens Community Food Pantry by unloading trucks and preparing food orders for other citizens.
“Steve volunteers for the Rivertown Senior Center by creating and managing a Facebook page for the Center.
“He serves as DJ for various activities at the Rivertown Senior Center and works hard to promote the Center, making sure that seniors in the community are informed,” the commendation states.
Certificates of Merit were extended to Jan & Jack Schane from the town of Hunter and Maggie Apgar, living in the town of Athens.
They were picked out for their “tireless and unselfish volunteer service and for upholding the highest standards of humanitarianism and fellowship.”
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