Kingston, NY- Ulster County Executive Mike Hein proclaims May as Older Americans Month and announces that John Beilman of Ellenville is Ulster County’s 2015 “Senior Citizen of the Year,” and Carolyn Mary Short of Kingston is awarded the 2015 “Most Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen.” “Mr. Beilman and Ms. Short are two exceptional senior citizens who are appreciated for their caring and tireless contributions to our community,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “I would like to congratulate them for receiving these awards and extend my deepest gratitude for their dedication in helping make Ulster County the finest place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Mr. Beilman is a lifelong resident of Ellenville. The Ellenville community is much richer because of his dedication and spirit. After serving as the Superintendent of the Water and Sewer Department for 34 years, John began volunteering at Family of Ellenville six days a week, every week. For over 10 years, Mr. Beilman has dedicated countless hours delivering groceries to neighbors in an effort to eliminate hunger. John is known in the community for his humble manner, keen sense of humor, and fascinating stories. At home, he is a rural “Renaissance Man.” He heats his home with wood he cuts and splits himself, loves gardening, and provides for his family with true pioneer spirit. John and his wife, Marie, have been married for over 60 years; and together, they have 4 daughters, 6 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. Mr. Beilman has touched so many lives through his passion for caring, by inspiring others with acts of kindness, and through giving back to his community through daily actions, and those are his greatest rewards.
Ms. Short has been a resident of Kingston for 56 years, and is a mother of 2. Among her careers, Carolyn has worked as a secondary teacher in the Kingston School District, a social worker at the Ulster County Department of Social Services, and as an educational coordinator at the Ulster County Health Department. At the age of 59, Ms. Short earned her M.S. in Public Health at Lehman College (CUNY). In addition to her involvement in the community through her careers, Carolyn has been volunteering for most of her life. She enjoys balancing her time between the young and senior citizens alike. As a member of the Board of Directors for local radio station WGHQ’s annual “Happy Christmas Fund,” she raises money to give gift certificates to parents of needy families. She also is involved in the Ulster County Office for the Aging’s “Blizzard Box,” which delivers meals to shut-in seniors. Carolyn’s favorite program, however, is the City of Kingston Recreation Department’s “Intergenerational After School Program.” The program allows seniors to participate as volunteers in weekly reading and crafting programs for 2 to 4 year old children. She really enjoys the program, and says that, “every kid deserves to have a grandmother.”
The theme of this year’s Older Americans Month is “Get Into The Act.” According to Kelly McMullen, Director of the Ulster County Office for the Aging, “This theme focuses on older adults taking charge of their health and becoming involved in their communities to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Both Mr. Beilman and Ms. Short have exemplified this theme through their dedicated service.”
Both award winners will also be recognized in Albany today as part of New York State Recognition Day.
The Ulster County Senior of the Year Award is a yearly recognition of two of Ulster County’s outstanding senior citizens. This year, the Senior Citizen of the Year Award nominees were selected in two categories: "Senior Citizen of the Year" and "Most Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen.” Nominations are sent to the County Executive’s Office for the Aging Advisory Council from numerous groups in order to make selections. An Advisory Council Selection Committee chooses two senior citizens for the awards based on the significance of their contributions to the community
