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Volunteers form powerful connections with the causes they support, the neighbors they serve, and each other. For many seniors, volunteering brings a great sense of purpose as they share their wisdom, experience, and dedication with area non-profits and their community.
The Karen B. Johnson Schenectady County Older New Yorker of the Year Award
A Legacy of Service and Volunteerism
The Hon. Karen B. Johnson Schenectady County Older New Yorker of the Year Award celebrates the life and legacy of Karen B. Johnson, a true community servant, and a tireless civic leader.
Karen Johnson dedicated her life to making a difference in her community. Her groundbreaking elections as the first female Schenectady city council member and Mayor, along with her election to the Schenectady County Legislature, where she served as Vice-Chair, had a profound effect on the residents of the city and county that she loved so much.
Karen Johnson immersed herself in civic life and was an avid volunteer who selflessly gave her time to help others and made an indelible mark by working behind the scenes for causes she treasured. She joined a group of citizens who helped save Proctors Theatre from being demolished and was an original organizer of the Kids Arts Fest and the summertime weekly Jazz on Jay concert series. She joined various boards and organizations whose purpose was to improve the life of Schenectady residents, including the Friends of the Library, where she served as the groups president.
Recipients of the Hon. Karen B. Johnson Schenectady County Older New Yorker Award share her love for volunteering and work hard each day to strengthen their community.