O’Mara honors local seniors in Albany

ALBANY—New York State Senator Torn O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) held a ceremony to honor senior citizen volunteers from four counties Tuesday, May 6. The event was held in Albany as part of the 2014 Senior Citizens Day Celebration sponsored by the New York State Office for the Aging.
O’Mara recognized six different seniors from Schuyler, Yates, Steuben and Chemung Counties during the ceremony. Among them was Schuyler County native Tony Vickio. He was recognized for donating his time and talents to many community organizations and activities over the decades, including the Boy Scouts of America, animal shelters and local schools. In 2002, he founded “Spirit of Schuyler” (SOS), a non-profit emergency response organization that assists county residents with basic needs such as fuel oil, utility costs and car repairs. Vickio remains president of SOS and volunteers time to promote, organize and staff the organization.
The other recognized seniors included Yates County’s Lauren Snyder, Steuben County’s Alise Irwin and Chemung County’s Donna Barto, Dale Bryant and Joy Perry.
In addition to being recognized as a senior volunteer, Snyder will also represent O’Mara’s 58th Senate District this year as a “Woman of Distinction.” She will be honored at an awards ceremony in Albany next Tuesday, May 13.