Office for the Aging cites volunteer recognition, upcoming state audit and local senior events

Brenda Wiemann, of the Cayuga County Office for the Aging, told the Health & Human Services Committee the department used an anonymous donation to provide snacks and raffle prizes for Meals on Wheels drivers during Volunteer Week (April 20–24). Wiemann read a driver's thank-you note praising staff support and volunteer recognition: "I want to thank you for the delightful surprise this morning. I volunteer, not only because it makes me feel useful, but because helping people has been my lifework... Your recognition of the MOW volunteers was much appreciated."

Wiemann said staff expect a bi-annual audit from the New York State Office for the Aging on June 2 and 3, which will include visits to a contractor kitchen in Rochester, an Auburn congregate meals site and a Meals on Wheels route plus a review of documentation. She also summarized recent staff trainings (an in-service by NYSEG and required spring training for Medicare Health Insurance Counselors), outreach visits to The Home and Northbrook Adult Care Homes, and a briefing from Kevin of VSA on veteran services. Wiemann said the Cayuga County Council of Senior Citizens is planning three "Seniors Need to Know" events featuring speakers including NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen and NYSOFA Executive Director Becky Preve, and that two local residents will be recognized as 2026 Senior Citizens of the Year at the county legislature meeting.