range County Legislature honors Pearl Lendzian of Warwick

WARWICK - Her activities on behalf of senior citizens in Warwick and her many other contributions to the community have earned Pearl Lendzian of Warwick the "Outstanding Contribution by a Senior" award from Orange County. Anne Coon, the Senior Citizens Program Coordinator for the county's Office for the Aging, presented the award at the county Legislature's meeting on Thursday, June 3. "Pearl is a staunch, tireless advocate for all senior citizens in Orange County," Coon said. "She serves on the Office for the Aging's Advisory Council and the Senior Council of Clubs. She is instrumental in keeping the lines of communication open between older adults in the community, clubs and the Office of the Aging." "She lets the county know the needs of seniors," Coon said. As a Warwick resident, Pearl Lendzian focuses much of her effort in the town and its villages. She was active in the movement to get funding for a new senior center at the Town Hall and actively solicits donations for Operation Wheels, which offers Warwick seniors transportation. "We have seven senior citizen clubs in Warwick, and I write up a report for the Town Board and the Village Boards," Lendzian said. "I was appointed by the town supervisor as Senior Citizen Liaison. It was a pilot program." "To accept an award like this is very humbling," Lendzian said. She depends on the help and cooperation of many people, she said, adding "A little of this award goes to each of these people." Coon noted that Lendzian is also active in veterans' organizations. She provides desserts for the American Legion's Bingo nights and for events held for veterans at the Orange County Residential Healthcare Facility. Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton said Friday that he decided when he took office to have a senior citizen act as liaison to the seniors' organizations. "We formerly had a Town Board member do this. Pearl graciously stepped forward as a volunteer to take on the job. She has boundless energy and enthusiasm. "She has such a sharp mind, she is a great advocate for seniors." The Legislature also recognized George Low of Pine Bush as Senior Citizen of the Year. He is a Purple Heart medalist and a volunteer in veterans' and service organizations. He is a former School Board member.