SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — At the Palace Theatre in Schenectady on Tuesday, there may not have been a red carpet — but there was plenty of celebration. Some of the community’s most dedicated seniors were honored for their lifetime of service, kindness, and impact. At the 2025 Older New Yorker of the Year Awards, each story is a reminder that age is no limit to making a difference.
The 2025 Schenectady County Older New Yorker of the Year awards are organized by the county’s Department of Senior and Long-Term Care Services and go to any county resident 50 years or older. Each honoree was chosen for a lifetime of giving — uplifting neighbors, building community, and leading by example.
Among this year’s honorees — Judy Nocera, named New York State Senior Citizen of the Year for Schenectady County. Nocera, the former Chief Development Officer at St. Clare’s Hospital, volunteers with more than half a dozen community organizations — continuing a life of service long after retirement. “Part of my reason for volunteering is very selfish. I love meeting new people. I love feeling like I’m making a difference. And it’s great.” said Nocera.
For Renee Markle, who nominated several of this year’s winners, seeing seniors continue to give back is a powerful example of purpose and passion. Markle went on to say, “We all look for a purpose in our lives and the fact that we are honoring those of us in the community that have worked for 70, 80 years, doing volunteer work is amazing.”
“We don’t always have the opportunity to say thank you to our older residents. This is whoever thought of older New Yorker awards was brilliant because this gives that opportunity and we’re so grateful to be able to do it.” said Schenectady County Legislator Michelle Ostrelich.
The event ended on a high note — with waitstaff surprising the crowd by bursting into song, filling the theatre with laughter, music, and joy.
