Latimer Will Join in Honoring the Achievements of 71 Seniors

TARRYTOWN – Westchester County Executive George Latimer will join in honoring the achievements of 71 senior citizens from throughout the County at the 36th Annual Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon, Friday, December 7 at 11:30 a.m. at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown. This year’s program, one of the largest to date, names Joann Prinzivalli of White Plains and Rosemarie Stasio of Mt. Kisco with top honors.

Prinzivalli has been very active in her efforts on behalf of LGBT rights and advocacy. Stasio has a stellar record of volunteer efforts on behalf of seniors and the underserved in Northern Westchester. New this year is a recognition called the Golden Apple Achievement Award. This award will be presented to George F. Gumina of Pleasantville, in honor of a lifetime of substantial philanthropic and personal contributions to all ages in the community.

Latimer said: “It is my honor to commend this active group of Westchester County residents, and induct them into our Senior Citizens Hall of Fame for their dedication and commitment to our communities. This longstanding tradition is a simple way for us to say thank you, and recognize top honorees like Joann Prinzivalli and Rosemarie Stasio for their time, energy and promise to enhancing the quality of life of those around them.”

71 Westchester County residents ages 60 and older will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Friday during the luncheon and awards presentation. The Class of 2018 includes 27 nominees over the age of 80, and 4 over the age of 90. One of the honorees is 102 years old, and two of the honorees are a married couple.

Among this year’s award recipients, six seniors will receive Special Recognition: Donald Amoruso of Pleasantville, Catherine Ferri of White Plains, Arthur Howard of Tuckahoe, Anil Joshi of White Plains, Malcolm Lazarus of Scarsdale and Suzanne K. Smith of Hastings-on-Hudson.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. For ticket sales and more information, contact Rose Cappa at or (914) 747-0519.

The Senior Citizens Hall of Fame is sponsored by the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS); the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation; Westchester County Livable Communities and the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services.

DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter said the achievements of the Hall of Fame honorees show the importance of people giving back to their communities and to each other.

Carpenter said: “The honorees show that age is never a deterrent to being a vital member of our society. In fact, it’s an advantage because of the life experiences they bring with them. Their generous contributions have helped to make Westchester County one of the most senior-friendly places in the world.”

The Senior Hall of Fame began in 1983, the 300th Anniversary of Westchester County’s founding. Its purpose was to showcase how seniors have contributed to building the County. More than 1,100 seniors have been inducted since.

To be nominated, seniors must have made significant and enduring contributions to enhance Westchester’s quality of life through their professional work, volunteer achievements or both. Nominations are made by members of the community, and the honorees are selected by a panel of judges and Hall of Fame members. The names of past honorees are engraved on plaques that are permanently displayed at the DSPS office in Mount Vernon.