Ossining prides itself on being a volunteer-spirited place and perhaps no two local senior citizens embody this spirit more than Michael Greene and Thelma McFadden.
Greene, known lovingly as Grandpa Mikey, and McFadden, nicknamed "Mother McFadden" where she volunteers tirelessly are among 57 regional honorees to be inducted into the county's Hall of Fame this year.
The 31st annual Westchester Senior Hall of Fame is celebrated with a luncheon and even dancing on Friday, Dec. 6 at the Westchester Marriott Hotel in Tarrytown.
“We’re lucky to say that they are our friends and neighbors,” County Executive Robert Astorino said of the group. “Their achievements enrich our lives and their spirits inspire us.”
The multi-talented Michael Greene
is an active volunteer in the Birth Right Foundation delivering his message across cultural lines to emphasize the importance of giving. He recently wrote a book called “Retail Life: How to Get in and Win” with chapters dedicated to empowering women. He's a columnist and a musical composer.And he's 92.
Formerly a furniture retailer and designer, Greene is now an active volunteer, a "self-made leader" who's dedicated his life to "sharing and caring," as his nominator wrote. He's sharp as ever and witty too.
When Astorino's office called him they complimented him on his handsome photo. He replied that they needed "to get new glasses." We think you'll agree, though, it's a great picture.
Then there's the "extraordinary" Thelma McFadden,
who at a relatively young 66, is a tireless volunteer with the Village of Ossining Recreation Department Golden Age and Senior Citizen program. She's been at it for years and works there five days a week now going "above and beyond what’s expected as a volunteer with our seniors," her nominator wrote.She coordinates events, trips and activities for Ossining's seniors. Never one to say "not me," she's always helping with BINGO games, field trips, meals. She even supports the youth after school program when asked, and “always with a generous smile.”
A former laundry attendant at the Westchester Marriott Hotel, McFadden spends her retirement giving back to her community. This spirited, life-loving woman also enjoys an occasional trip to the casino, looks forward to her annual "Honeymooners" marathon on New Year's Day, and adores watching old Westerns.
Thank you both for your outstanding contributions.
Here is the full list of honorees this year:
The Hon. Lois Taplin Bronz, the first woman and first African-American to chair Westchester County’s Board of Legislators and a life-long champion for early childhood education, will be the top honoree this year.
Special Recognition Honorees are Sister St. John Delany of White Plains, Barbara Lisio of Hastings, Andrea Olsen of Yonkers, Dr. Maria A. Pici of West Harrison, and Lucy Schmolka of Armonk.
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Class of 2013 (by town):
BRONXVILLE: Patricia Dohrenwend; Audrey Fallon
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CORTLANDT MANOR: Eileen Deem; Suzane Metz Sadofsky
DOBBS FERRY: Ronald Bray;
GOLDENS BRIDGE: Joseph Simoncini
LARCHMONT: Teddi Becker; George Case
MOUNT VERNON: Gertrude Barbour; John Lee Dunham; Josephine Frusciante; Merlene Loleta Howell; Martin Rubin
NEW ROCHELLE: Joan Mooney
NORTH SALEM: Muriel Bisulca
OSSINING: Michael Greene; Thelma McFadden
PEEKSKILL: Fran Caputo; Joy Chiulli
PLEASANTVILLE: Betty Jane Whelan
PELHAM: John Cassone
PORT CHESTER: Gene Ceccarelli
RYE: Betsy Biddle; Barbara Brunner; Pasquale Iorillo
RYE BROOK: Joan Feinstein; Lucille Porto
SCARSDALE: Dr. Marvin Lipman
SOMERS: Marion Levine
TUCKAHOE: Mary Ann Frusciante
VALHALLA: Vita Nicolai; John Nicolai; Michael Spaziante; Rocco Troiano
WHITE PLAINS: Barbara Andralliski; Millie Castro; Norman Friedman; Sue Lobel; Fintan O’Hare
YONKERS: Esther Bauer, Dorothy DeRuve; Nancy Gill; Helen Ann Henkel; Christopher Milano; Samuel Morrison; Ceko & Helen Nacov; Noemi Robbins; Helen Tropp; Maryl Turchi
YORKTOWN HEIGHTS: Kathleen Marencek
Tickets to the luncheon are $60 each. To make a reservation or for more information, please contact Annette Alve at ala3@westchestergov.com or (914) 813-6414. The Gerard Carelli Orchestra will play music for dancing.
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