News
February, 2026
The Watervliet Senior Center came alive with laughter, cheers and friendly competition during its own Olympic Games, led by Program Manager Pauline Bush.
Participants kicked off the festivities by creating festive decorations, centerpieces and a custom Chocolate Olympic torch. The torch began its journey with a randomly chosen guest and was passed from participant to participant, following directions from an Olympic poem written by Bush. The final torch recipient got to take it home as a keepsake from the celebration.
The games had something for everyone: seated cross-country skiing, tabletop “ice” hockey, curling for the gold, a Snowball Fling competition, a virtual bobsled ride and a gondola photo experience. Energy, teamwork and playful rivalry filled every activity, bringing participants together in a truly memorable week.
The festivities ended with a medal ceremony celebrating team and individual achievements. Special honors went to Janet Chiorgno for torch passing, Sharon Irizzary for favorite photo and Carol Mead for sportsmanship. Team awards went to Sexy Seniors, first place; Fun N Games, second place; and Team Snoopy, third place. Trivia champions were “The Girls and a Guy.”
Group photos and visits from special guests, including Mayor Charles Patricelli, capped the celebration. The Winter Olympics brought joy, connection and community spirit to the center, leaving everyone smiling and energized.
Watervliet Winter Olympics Bring Community Together
The Watervliet Senior Center came alive with laughter, cheers and friendly competition during its own Olympic Games, led by Program Manager Pauline Bush.
Participants kicked off the festivities by creating festive decorations, centerpieces and a custom Chocolate Olympic torch. The torch began its journey with a randomly chosen guest and was passed from participant to participant, following directions from an Olympic poem written by Bush. The final torch recipient got to take it home as a keepsake from the celebration.
The games had something for everyone: seated cross-country skiing, tabletop “ice” hockey, curling for the gold, a Snowball Fling competition, a virtual bobsled ride and a gondola photo experience. Energy, teamwork and playful rivalry filled every activity, bringing participants together in a truly memorable week.
The festivities ended with a medal ceremony celebrating team and individual achievements. Special honors went to Janet Chiorgno for torch passing, Sharon Irizzary for favorite photo and Carol Mead for sportsmanship. Team awards went to Sexy Seniors, first place; Fun N Games, second place; and Team Snoopy, third place. Trivia champions were “The Girls and a Guy.”
Group photos and visits from special guests, including Mayor Charles Patricelli, capped the celebration. The Winter Olympics brought joy, connection and community spirit to the center, leaving everyone smiling and energized.
LifePath Holds 2026 Annual Meeting and Welcomes New Leadership
LifePath welcomed board members, partners, staff and supporters to its 2026 Annual Meeting, celebrating a year of impact and looking ahead to the work still to come.
Executive Director Gary March shared highlights from 2025, underscoring the growing need among older adults living on fixed incomes. Over the past year, LifePath delivered more than 120,000 meals through home-delivered, community dining and the social adult day program. Staff also provided more than 2,800 assists at LifePath centers and hosted nearly 300 programs that helped reduce isolation and strengthen connection.
Gary also highlighted the successful merger of the Cohoes Companions and Newgate social adult day programs, creating one stronger and more unified service model. He noted the importance of expanding partnerships, diversifying revenue and preparing for the development of LifePath’s next strategic plan in 2026.
Outgoing Board President Susan Nixon reflected on her tenure and thanked fellow board members for their dedication. The organization recognized Thomas Miller and Stephanie Kozak for their years of service and commitment to LifePath’s mission.
During the meeting, the 2026 Executive Officers were elected:
President: Aaron Carbone
Vice President: Kim Eriole
Treasurer: Edward Tremblay
Secretary: Amal Cooney
LifePath also welcomed four new board members beginning three-year terms through December 2028:
Sarah Grimes, director of business development, NYSARC Pooled Trust
Ann-Marie Smith, CPA and owner of A. Smith Accounting
Valerie Osborne, director of Medicare sales, MVP
Phillip Vacchio, partner at Herzog Law Firm
Aaron Carbone was officially sworn in as president and shared his vision for the year ahead, including strengthening strategic partnerships, responding to evolving community needs and placing greater focus on behavioral health among older adults.
LifePath extends sincere thanks to the partners, funders and community leaders who attended and continue to stand alongside the organization. Their support ensures older adults in our community age with dignity, connection and care.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with LifePath at the Cohoes Senior Center
Join us for a festive St. Patrick’s Day dinner fundraiser at the Cohoes Senior Center on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 5 p.m.
Guests will enjoy a traditional corned beef dinner while listening to live music from the Twisted Kilt Duo. Tickets are $25 per person. Sponsorships are also available for $175, which help support LifePath’s programs and services at the Cohoes Senior Center.
Reserve your spot or learn more by calling 518-465-3322, x 200 or email cohoes@lifepathny.org. Celebrate, support and share an evening of food, fun and community with LifePath.
LifePath’s 30th Annual Third Age Achievement Awards: Honoring Leaders Who Inspire
LifePath is proud to celebrate 30 years of leadership, innovation, and community impact at the Third Age Achievement Awards. Join us Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Wolferts Roost Country Club to honor individuals who prove that growing older doesn’t mean slowing down.
This year’s honorees, recognized for their extraordinary contributions across business, journalism, faith, workforce development, healthcare, and community service, are:
Bob Belber, General Manager, MVP Arena
Connie Centrello, St. Vincent’s de Paul Church
William Kennedy, Novelist & Journalist
Chet Opalka, Community Leader
Bob Passonno, Community Volunteer
Deb Riitano, Director, Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary
Anne Saile, Healthcare and Government Executive
Crickett Thomas‑O’Dell, Director, Statewide Pre-Apprentice Program for Workforce Development Institute & NYS Building & Construction Trades Council
CDPHP is the presenting sponsor for this milestone event, and past honorees Paul Grondahl and Benita Zahn return as Chair and Emcee to lead the celebration.
Support these inspiring leaders and be part of a community that celebrates achievement at every age.
Sweeten a Senior Valentine’s Campaign Brings Joy
LifePath’s Sweeten a Senior campaign delivered sugar-free chocolate bars with personalized messages from donors to Meals on Wheels recipients across the community. Each note reminded recipients that they are thought of, valued and not alone.
This year’s campaign surpassed its fundraising goal, demonstrating the generosity of LifePath supporters. Volunteers helped deliver the treats alongside friendly visits, turning each delivery into a moment of connection and care.
Programs like Sweeten a Senior highlight the difference donors make every day. By supporting this initiative, community members help ensure that Meals on Wheels participants receive not only nutritious meals, but also the human connection that can brighten their day.
LifePath thanks everyone who contributed to the campaign and encourages continued support to help older adults feel seen, cared for and connected.
The Eliot at Troy Brings Smiles to Newgate Program Participants A Fun Afternoon of Pizza and Friendship
LifePath’s Newgate Social Adu
lt Day Program recently enjoyed a pizza party generously sponsored by The Eliot at Troy.
Participants shared laughter, stories and plenty of pizza, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. The event reflected LifePath’s mission to foster community, connect participants and support caregivers.
LifePath is grateful to The Eliot at Troy for making the afternoon special. Programs like this enrich the lives of participants and strengthen the sense of belonging at LifePath centers.