Putnam in Pictures

Heather Hill, a young woman from Kent Cliffs, volunteers at the event and flashes her million dollar smile. Putnam County's Office for the Aging 40th birthday bash will be remembered for the next 40 years.

More than 500 people congregated at the Office for the Aging campus in Carmel last week for the gala attended by scores of "seasoned" citizens, local and state officials and a small army of volunteers who wished the over 65 set good health and long life.

The office which has assisted thousands of seniors over the years was funded under the Older Americans Act and the former Putnam County Board of Supervisors in 1969.

County Executive Robert Bondi recalled that Putnam was one of the first five counties in New York State to initiate the program: "Four decades ago, two employees worked out of a closet on the third floor of the County Office Building. Today, more than 70 dedicated employees work at four different sites and we are looking forward towards breaking ground on the new state-of-the-art office which will become the county's senior citizens' administrative facility in Kent."

Cold Spring native and Dutchess County Office for the Aging Director John Beale congratulates William Huestis for his many years of service to residents of Putnam County. William Huestis, executive director of the Putnam Office for the Aging who is celebrating his 30th anniversary in the position this year welcomed the guests: "We portray 'Rocky' in Putnam because as our senior population continues to significantly increase, the Office for the Aging will continue to provide services in

Huestis encouraged the seniors to continue their volunteer work: "Retirees working in our school systems and volunteering at Putnam Hospital Center are a godsend. The cash value of RSVP volunteerism in Putnam last year exceeded $2 million."

Huestis said Putnam's senior population was increasing tremendously: "We have been caring for the 'Greatest Generation'—people who built our schools, our roads and who conquered polio. Now we must also concentrate our efforts on the 'silent generation— those educated elderly who want more than card playing and bingo competitions."

District Attorney Adam Levy meets with groups of seniors to discuss an increasing number of scams being perpetuated against the elderly. By the year 2015, Huestis forecast 70 percent of Putnam's population will have exceeded their 60th birthday: "The old days of 15,000 elderly will have increased to 26,000 resulting in a need for advocacy for seniors including services for Alzheimer's disease."

Polly Windels, New York State Office for the Aging Deputy Director and Aging Services Coordinator, praised Putnam for its services dealing with the elderly: "Every county in our great state is unique but when it comes to the Office for the Aging, Putnam is a leader. Senior centers have been going through a lull in recent years in many communities but not Putnam County. Its centers in Mahopac and Putnam Valley are two of the finest found anywhere offering services for those to come and spend the day while engaging their minds as well as for social adult daycare. Putnam County is a leader in these areas."

This trio toasts the Office for the Aging with cups of punch. The "gals" include (l-r) Dorothy Killackey and June Offerman, both of Southeast and Emily Albert of Lake Carmel. Cold Spring native John Beale, Director of the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, congratulated Putnam on the auspicious occasion and praised Huestis for his work and recognition around New York State. "Bill and his staff do incredible things for Putnam's senior citizens." June Offerman of Southeast was in attendance. She described the Office for the Aging as the "glue that keeps us seniors together. Each community might have its own organization but the county agency provides a wonderful service." Marie Koeher, a 93-year old said the Office for the Aging was "my life. I'm here every day and I enjoy the activities and my friends."

Photos by Eric Gross

Jessie Huestis of Lake Carmel (center) beams with pride when her son, William, receives accolades for his years of dedicated service to Putnam's senior population.