Photo: 2023 Older Americans Month Celebration

CHEMUNG COUNTY, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Chemung County Department of Aging and Long-Term Care will recognize Older Americans Month by presenting the 2024 Distinguished Volunteers of the Year Awards on May 9.  

County Executive Christopher Moss will also declare the month of May as Older Americans Month in Chemung County.   

The Distinguished Volunteer of the Year awards will be presented to three country residents who are 60 years of age or older who have contributed to the community without pay or compensation.  Members of the Chemung Volunteer Action Corp (CVAC) will also be recognized.

Older Americans Month was first declared in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, originally established as Senior Citizens Month.  It wasn't until 1980 when Jimmy Carter changed it to what we know it as today.  

The ceremony will take place at New Beginnings United Methodist Church in Elmira starting at 2 p.m.