LEGISLATURE STUFF - Just Doing What They Do

Susan Friedman has been recognized as 2025 Greene County Senior Citizen of the Year by the Greene County Legislature. On hand for the presentation, last week, were (left to right) legislative County Services committee chairwoman Sherry True, Susan Friedman, lawmaker Daryl Legg (District 7, Hunter, Lexington & Halcott), and county Human Services deputy director Tami Bone.

CATSKILL - The vintage value of Susan Friedman and Richard Mirando was recognized by the Greene County Legislature, last week.

Lawmakers, during their regular monthly meeting, honored Friedman as the county’s “Senior Citizen of the Year” and Mirando for his “Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen.”

Neither recipient understood what all the fuss was about, each saying in a short speech they are just doing what they’ve always done.

But they graciously accepted the Commendations, with lawmakers stating “the national theme for Older Americans Month 2025 is, “flip the script on aging,” and focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about and approaches aging.

“Greene County is indeed fortunate to have numerous older residents who contribute their talents and energies on behalf of their fellow citizens.

“Susan Friedman, 84 years young, of Hunter, is the mother of 3 sons, a grandmother of 8 and a great-grandmother of 3 with 2 more on the way.

“She has been a member of the Hunter Civic Association since 1994, currently serving as treasurer. She has been strong in keeping the organization and its positive impact, alive and thriving.

“Susan has been a member of the Hunter town planning board since 1995 and has helped shape the development of the mountaintop community - to ensure its natural beauty, safety and growth are in line with the community’s vision.

“She has been a member of the Hunter Synagogue since 2006, currently serving as 2nd vice-president. As the “Cemetery” chairperson, she has guided and supported grieving through each step of a loved one’s passing.

“Susan has been a founding member of the Friends of the Mountaintop Library since 2008, she has dedicated herself to creating a place of education for residents particularly young students in grades pre-K and kindergarten in need of books and other educational tools.

“She keeps tabs on all things “mountaintop” and is aware of residents in need, whether from a fire in a home, a death, sickness, etc. and is able to bring their needs to the attention of others for quick action and assistance.”

Briefly sharing her thoughts on the occasion, Friedman said, “I have just always felt it is important to be part of our community.”

Mirando, 82 years young, of Coxsackie, is the father of 3 children, and a grandfather of 2,” the legislative Commendation states.

“He was employed as a bus driver for Mountain View Coach, Yankee Trails and retired as driver for SUNY, Albany.

“Richard has served the town of Coxsackie and Greene County for over 50 years as a volunteer firefighter,” the Commendation states.

Mirando, striding to the podium following the presentation, said he was merely following in the boot-steps of his father while setting a path for two sons and a granddaughter who are also engaged in volunteer fire service.

“Richard joined the town of Coxsackie Hose Company No. 3 in 1974 and has since achieved the rank of Life Member,” the Commendation states.

“To this day, he is amongst the Top 10 responders for the company and responds to the alarm regardless of weather, day of week or time of day, including holidays.

“Richard has freely given of his time by volunteering at the Coxsackie-Athens elementary school “Bike Rodeo,” for various traffic details in the town and the annual Coxsackie “Parade of Lights.”

“He is a certified New York State “First Responder” and he serves as a member of the Greene County Fire Police.

“Richard is a highly respected member of his community and would give you his last dollar if needed, and would drop everything to come and help others,” the Commendation states.

Lawmakers, in the Commendation, stated they congratulate Susan and Richard for their achievement and, “offer our best wishes for happiness and contentment in the coming years.”

In other matters:

—Legislature chairman Patrick Linger made three appointments including Jillian Jenkins to the Advisory Council to the Greene County Department for the Aging (on the recommendation of Amanda Lyons, executive director of the Department of Human Services).

Linger also appointed Holly Pavlin to the Greene County Youth Advisory Board (on the recommendation of Lyons), and Ashley Schoenborn to the Greene County Agricultural & Farmland Protection Board.