Ulster County senior citizens earn honors
Violet Streich of Olivebridge was named this year’s Ulster County Senior Citizen of the Year.
Virginia “Vivi” Hlavsa of Marbletown was recognized for the Most Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen.
Streich’s love of animals has translated into over four decades of support for local organizations. She has helped with fundraising efforts, office work and outreach for the local SPCA, Diana’s Cat Project and the Catskill Animal Sanctuary. She has also helped support her fellow older adults by being involved in three senior clubs and serving as an officer.
Streich’s caring and upbeat nature are attractive qualities, and she hopes others will learn about ways they can volunteer and help their community. For her, it is all about the volunteering, the satisfaction that it brings and the work that is accomplished.
Hlavsa has resided in Marbletown, in the hamlet of Lomontville, for 30 years. She moved to the area with her late husband, Richard, after a distinguished career as a university English professor at Queens College, CUNY.
Hlavsa uses her skills as an English professor to promote the appreciation of literature in a variety of ways, including organizing the “One Book, One Community” program encouraged by the American Library Association. She also recognized the need to support older adults who wish to remain in their homes in her community and organized five Settled and Serving in Place, or SSIP, groups around the county which were modeled after the National Aging in Place movement.
Hlavsa simply believes that you should make things happen, and she does.
“Ms. Streich and Ms. Hlavsa are two exceptional senior citizens who are appreciated for their efforts to enhance the lives and well-being of others in our County,” said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein said in a press re-
lease. “I would like to congratulate them for receiving these awards and extend my deepest gratitude for all they do so selflessly. Ulster County is a better place because of their contributions.”
The Ulster County Senior of the Year Award is a yearly recognition of two of Ulster County’s outstanding senior citizens. Nominations are sent to the county executive’s office for consideration by the Aging Advisory Council from numerous groups in order to make selections. An Advisory Council Selection Committee chooses two senior citizens for the awards based on the significance of their contributions to the community.
Hlavsa and Streich will also be recognized in Albany on May 9th as part of New York State Senior Citizen’s Recognition Day.
AARP driver safety classes available
ULSTER COUNTY, N.Y. >> The following AARP driver safety classes have been scheduled:
• Saturday, May 20, at West Hurley Fire Department, 238 Golden Hill Drive, Kingston. Call (845) 679-6405 to register. Sign in at 8:30 a.m., with the class starting at 9 a.m.
• Saturday, May 26, at Woodland Pond, 100 Woodland Pond Circle, New Paltz. Call (845) 883-9800 to register. Sign in at 8:30 a.m., with the class starting at 9 a.m.
All are welcome to attend. There are no membership or age requirements.
The cost is $25 per person, $20 for AARP members, Seating is very limited, and pre-registration is required. The class is scheduled to run six hours, but could run longer. Successful completion of the class qualifies attendees for insurance discounts and the reduction of points on their driver’s license.
Visit aarp.org/findacourse or call (888) 2277669 for information on other classes.
Senior groups list meeting schedules
RED HOOK, N.Y. >> The Rhinebeck/Red Hook AARP will meet Wednesday, May 10, at the Red Hook Community Center, 59 Fisk St.
The social hour will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a meeting at 11:30 a.m. and a speaker at 12:15 p.m.
This month’s speaker will be Brenda Klaproth. Her talk is titled “School Collectibles of the Past.”
Come early at 10 a.m. to sign up for the June Luncheon. There will be no meetings over the summer.
LAKE KATRINE, N.Y. >> The Town of Ulster Senior Club will meet Thursday, May 11, at the Town of Ulster Senior Center, 1 Town Hall Drive.
Refreshments will be served at 12:30 p.m., with the meeting starting at 1 p.m.
The speaker will be Carol Hargrove, the head of Ulster County Area Transportation. She will discuss the various options available for senior citizens to utilize buses as transportation throughout the county, and working through the city of Kingston.
The group’s meetings are a time for friendship and socialization, and the sharing of ideas. New members are always welcome. After the meetings, those who wish may stay to play bingo.
ROSENDALE, N.Y. >> The Town of Rosendale Seniors will have a social meeting on Wednesday, May 10, at 1 p.m. at the Rosendale Recreation Center, Route 32.
There will be a movie and popcorn will be served.
An executive board meeting will take place Wednesday, May 24, at 10:30 a.m. at the center. A memorial for the group’s deceased members will follow at 1 p.m.
Reservations are being taken for the June 15 trip to the Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford for “Mama Mia.” The cost is $67 per person. Reservations are also being taken for Branson Show Extravaganza from Aug. 26 to Sept. 3. The cost is $799 per person.
Call Chickie at (845) 6582414 or Hal at (845) 6589020 for more information on trips. Membership in the Town of Rosendale Seniors is not required to go on the trips.
New members in the group are always welcome.