Clint Salmon Recognized for Outreach, Volunteer Contributions to Community

Announcement Made in Conjunction with May Celebrated Nationally as Older Americans Month

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined by Commissioner of Senior Services Randy Hoak, community members, and family members of Mr. Clint Salmon as he recognized Mr. Salmon as Erie County’s 2013 “Senior of the Year” in a ceremony held at the Edward A. Rath county office building. Mr. Salmon, 87, of Chaffee, NY, was selected from among a half-dozen nominees for the award by a committee of the Erie County Department of Senior Services Advisory Board, who sought to honor an individual whose volunteer contributions to the community have had a significant impact on the quality of life for a large number of Erie County residents.

“I would like to congratulate Mr. Salmon on receiving this award, and also thank him for the many positive ways that he continues to give back to his community,” said Poloncarz.  “He is closely involved in senior issues in the Town of Sardinia, is a long-standing member of several civic and veterans’  organizations, and continues to  volunteer with Rural Transit Service and the South Towns Meals on Wheels program. Mr. Salmon is a very deserving recipient for the honor of 2013 Erie County Senior of the Year.”

A retired New York State trooper, Mr. Salmon took the initiative in creating new by-laws for Town of Sardinia senior citizens, and has served as the president of the Town of Sardinia Senior Citizens’ organization for the past 10 years. His insistence that every senior is represented and attended to in Town affairs continues to make him a favorite in that role. Additionally, Mr. Salmon has served on the Rural Transit Service Advisory Board since 1997, and volunteered as a driver for the Service for more than 15 years. Since 2002, Mr. Salmon has volunteered tirelessly as area coordinator for South Towns Meals on Wheels in the Town of Sardinia, delivering meals, making contacts with clients, handling paperwork, and connecting Sardinia’s seniors to the program.

“Without dedicated volunteers like Mr. Salmon, we simply could not maintain the services needed by Older Adults in Erie County,” said Commissioner Hoak. “Clint’s dedication and enthusiasm for helping his community are what make Erie County a great place to live, and as we kick off Older American’s Month I am honored to recognize his contribution.”

Chair of the Advisory Board Rose Marie Hall added, “Selecting only one individual is always a challenge taken very seriously by the committee. It’s very difficult to judge and choose, because each candidate we hear about is truly an inspiration to all of us. We come away humbled, amazed, and impressed by each of these older individuals, who make a real difference in the lives of others through their contributions to our community.”

Other nominees considered for the 2013 Senior of the Year Award were from Buffalo, Angola, Springville, and Tonawanda.

Mr. Salmon has also served on the Chaffee-Sardinia Kiwanis for 50 years, been a member of American Legion Post 1248 for 40 years, and is a lifetime member of VFW Post 374.

For more information on the Erie County Department of Senior Services, visit http://www2.erie.gov/seniorservices/