HoehmTown Happenings: Clarkstown Celebrates National Senior Citizens Day

National Senior Citizens Day, which falls on August 21st each year, was established by Congress in 1988 to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of our seniors. In 1991, then President George Bush included the following passage in a Proclamation: “Many a poet and philosopher has reverently described it as “the autumn of life,” or the rich twilight that eventually follows the glorious day of youth. Today, however, millions of American seniors are changing the way we view old age. Far from fading into the sunset, these men and women are serving as brilliant points of light in their communities. They are serving others through a host of volunteer programs and personal acts of kindness; they are sharing their ample knowledge and experience in the workplace; and they are quietly enriching their families with a wealth of love and wisdom.”

Last Thursday, I had the great pleasure of attending our Senior Picnic and Health Fair, which is one of my favorite events of the year. We created this event in Clarkstown in 2024 as a way to give back to our senior community and it was an instant and tremendous success. The free program features a picnic lunch and music along with a number of health and wellness vendors offering services to seniors. The pool is open for those who wish to swim. The Town Clerk’s office is on hand offering a number of mobile services, and many other county and state agencies have set up booths to offer information about senior-oriented programs and resources.

I enjoy the event so much mainly because I get to interact with so many dynamic and engaged senior residents. They are never shy about telling me what they love about Clarkstown and what we can improve upon. I’m always amazed at how many of the attendees are still actively involved in local volunteer work, and I leave the event full of gratitude for all they have given to the town throughout their lives. It’s a poignant reminder of how important our seniors are to our community.

According to the latest United States Census Bureau data, those aged 65 and over represent 20.6% of Clarkstown’s population, and 37.4% of our residents are over the age of 55. These figures are above the national averages of 18% and 29.5%, respectively. Our annual Senior Picnic has proven to be an extremely effective way to raise awareness of the programs and services that are available to our seniors. One thing I consistently hear from attendees each year is that they learned about a program or resource for the first time at the event. In many other instances, I hear stories about how one of the agencies in attendance was able to help them with something in the past.

The picnic is great, but Clarkstown’s commitment to our seniors goes far beyond a one-day event. There are nine senior citizen clubs scattered across the town where members gather to socialize, play cards, and have fun. The Street Community Center runs a drop-in lounge three mornings a week, refreshments included, with no agenda required beyond showing up. Our Parks & Recreation Department offers a wealth of programs and classes ranging from physical fitness to arts and crafts. Residents ages 55 and over can obtain a free ID card for access to our community centers, pools, and programming. These cards can be obtained with proof of residency at the Clarkstown Parks & Recreation Department.

I’m very proud to lead a town that is committed to giving back to its senior residents, who continue to contribute so much to our community.