(Queens, NY) – (Queens, NY) – Southeast Queens elected officials proudly kicked off the 23rd Annual Senior Appreciation Month, a beloved community tradition honoring older adults through a month-long series of programs and festivities. The kickoff press conference was held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Roy Wilkins Recreation Center Gymnasium, 177-01 Baisley Blvd., Jamaica, NY.

Senior Appreciation Month recognizes the invaluable contributions of Queens’ older adults and features a robust calendar of events ranging from health and wellness fairs to luncheons, talent showcases, and festive gatherings. Organized in partnership with local elected officials, senior centers, and community organizations, the initiative uplifts seniors while providing access to vital resources that support their overall well-being.

What began in 2002 as a one-week celebration in Southeast Queens has grown into a month-long borough-wide tradition uniting leaders at the city, state, and federal levels. The initiative was born out of a collaboration among local elected officials who sought to dedicate time and resources to honoring seniors in their districts. Together, they established a calendar of events designed to ensure that older adults feel recognized, supported, and celebrated year after year.

Now in its 23rd year, Senior Appreciation Month has become a pillar of civic life in Southeast Queens, a reflection of the community’s deep respect and gratitude for its elders. The celebration is not only about honoring the past contributions of seniors, but also about promoting their continued well-being, safety, and joy today. Over the years, this initiative has built lasting partnerships and traditions, uplifting thousands of seniors through programs that foster health, recreation, social connection, and empowerment.

Congresswoman Grace Meng stated: “I am delighted to celebrate Senior Appreciation Month and to extend my heartfelt thanks to the older adults who have laid the foundation for the progress we enjoy today. It’s essential that we continue to honor and support them. In Congress, I remain a strong advocate for Social Security, Medicare, and policies that directly impact seniors’ well-being. I would also like to recognize my 101-year old Grandmother - the first in my family to come to America - who continues to inspire me as a role model, both personally and professionally. I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to celebrate the older adults in their lives, not just this month, but all year long.”

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams stated: “It is truly an honor to celebrate Senior Appreciation Month. We are thankful for everything seniors do throughout Queens to make the community a better place for generations to come. Senior Appreciation Month is a time to recognize the great contributions that elders have made to society, and the legacy they continue to build, setting the foundation for future residents within this borough. I join my colleagues in celebrating our older adult population, and commend seniors for their many achievements over the years, making the borough a great place to live, learn and work.”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. stated: “I am delighted that my office can participate in another year of celebrating Older Adult Appreciation Month. These traditions provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment as we unite in Southeast Queens to recognize those who have made meaningful political, civic, social, and religious contributions to our community.”

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated: “Senior Appreciation Month allows us the opportunity to honor and celebrate the invaluable contributions of our older adults while reaffirming our commitment to their safety and well-being. My office works every day to prevent seniors from becoming victims of crime and to seek justice against wrongdoers who target our elderly population. We will continue to raise awareness about prevailing scams and fraud specifically affecting seniors and work diligently to protect their golden years.”

Senator Leroy Comrie stated: “For more than two decades, Senior Appreciation Month has been about giving back to those who gave so much of themselves to build and sustain our communities. Our older adults deserve to be celebrated not just for their history of sacrifice and leadership, but for the example they continue to set for future generations. As we gather throughout this month, I want our seniors to know that they are valued, respected, and at the heart of Queens’ strength and resilience. I look forward to standing alongside my colleagues and community partners in honoring them.”

Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman stated: "I am deeply honored to participate in the 23rd Annual Senior Appreciation Month, a time when we tangibly express our gratitude for the profound wisdom and invaluable contributions of our esteemed older adults. Each year, it is a distinct privilege to celebrate them through engaging events and highly informative content, ensuring they remain connected to the resources they need. Our older adults are the bedrock of our community, having shaped us into who we are today. I eagerly anticipate another successful Senior Month as we collectively demonstrate our heartfelt appreciation."

Assemblymember Clyde Vanel stated: “ I am honored to celebrate Senior Appreciation Month with my esteemed colleagues. Our seniors are a treasured value of Southeast Queens. We honor their legacy, celebrate their contributions, and remain committed to uplifting them as a guiding force in our thriving community”

Assemblyman David Weprin stated: “I’m honored to once again take part in Senior Appreciation Month alongside my government colleagues. Supporting and celebrating our senior community remains a top priority, as they are the foundation of our families and the backbone of our neighborhoods. Our seniors have shaped our neighborhoods, our families, and our society with their hard work and dedication. Their wisdom, experience, and perspective continue to inspire us every day. It is essential that we recognize their contributions, provide opportunities for them to remain engaged, and ensure they continue to thrive as a guiding presence in our communities for many years to come.”

Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson stated: “I am delighted that my office can participate in another year of celebrating Older Adult Appreciation Month. These traditions provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment as we unite in Southeast Queens to recognize those who have made meaningful political, civic, social, and religious contributions to our community.”

Assemblywoman Larinda C. Hooks stated: “Senior Appreciation Month is so close to my heart because our elders are the roots of everything we do here in Queens. They are our storytellers, our teachers, and our daily reminders of the strength it takes to build community and keep it thriving. I grew up learning from women and men who carried both struggle and triumph with grace, and I see those same qualities in the seniors of Assembly District 35 today. I want our older adults to know that they are important in keeping our histories alive through spoken word; passing down lessons, memories, and traditions that shape who we are and guide who we become. My office is committed to fighting for better resources, safer neighborhoods, and programs that allow our seniors to live not just with dignity, but with joy. This month and every month, we celebrate you, we learn from you, and we honor you for the foundation you continue to strengthen for generations to come.”

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams stated: “Seniors are the jewels of our community, whose sacrifices and contributions paved the way for our success today. I’m proud to join my Southeast Queens colleagues to co-host the annual Senior Appreciation Month this October, during which we uplift and celebrate our older adults through engaging events and activities. In this year’s city budget, the Council secured critical funding restorations and increased allocations for home-delivered meals, older adult centers, case management, and more to support the health and well-being of our elders. These investments are critical to ensuring our older adults have the resources they need to thrive, and I encourage all seniors in Southeast Queens to take part in the festivities this month!”

Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams: “Our seniors are the heart of Southeast Queens. They continue to inspire us with their wisdom and resilience, and they deserve not only our gratitude, but also our commitment to their health, joy, and security. Senior Appreciation Month is about more than celebration; it’s about making sure our elders feel seen, supported, and connected. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues and community partners to uplift the elders who make our neighborhoods stronger every day.”

Council Member Linda Lee stated: “Seniors have built the foundation for our communities through their love, wisdom, and leadership, and they deserve nothing less than our very best. Their guidance and sacrifice have shaped the thriving neighborhoods we know today. I look forward to joining my Queens colleagues in celebrating Senior Appreciation Month to honor and uplift our older adults, and I thank Senator Comrie and his team for leading this celebration year after year.”

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