The New York State Office for the Aging has honored three area residents — two from Cattaraugus County and one from Allegany County — among 100 older adults for their extraordinary volunteerism as part of the agency’s annual Older New Yorkers’ Day celebration in May.

The Cattaraugus County awardees are Herbert McArthur and Barbara Sue; the Allegany County awardee is Steve Crandall.

New York’s 59 county and municipal offices for the aging and their partners nominate older adults who have made their communities stronger, vibrant and welcoming through their remarkable volunteer and civic contributions.

The theme of Older Americans Month 2025, which was in May, was “Flip the Script on Aging” to focus on transforming how society perceives, talks about and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions.

“Older adults make a positive impact on every community across our state through their knowledge, economic capital and civic engagement,” says NYSOFA director Greg Olsen. “NYSOFA is honored to highlight their contributions.”

Herbert is a long-time volunteer with Meals on Wheels and can be found wading through 4 feet of drifted snow to deliver nutrition to participants on his route. His station manager says Herbert is a “fantastic volunteer and a true asset.”

Herbert also serves at the Machias Nursing Home as a friendly visitor and as an escort to residents who go out for day trips and lunch. He can also be found cooking hot dogs for residents, accompanying them to the Buffalo Zoo and shopping.

Born in Buffalo, and raised in Holland, Herbert has three sisters and one brother who is deceased. He was married to his wife, Debbie, for 45 years before her passing in 2021. He and Debbie had two sons, and he has two grandsons.

He attended BOCES during high school for auto mechanics and served in the U.S. Army as a mechanic. He retired from trucking in 2009 and began his volunteering career.

“Help as much as you can,” he says. “I volunteer to give back to my community.”

Barbara Sue, who is originally from Pennsylvania, has been dedicated to enhancing musical education in her community since relocating to the Southern Tier for work in 1966, after marrying her high school sweetheart, John “Mac” Sue. Mac, a musician, passed away in 2011.

Together the couple had four children, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. After Barbara’s teaching career, she switched gears and worked as a housing projects coordinator at Olean Housing Authority. All the while, this community-minded woman volunteered with the Southern Tier Symphony and various church boards.

Volunteering is in her blood. She took on additional roles at The Bridge resale shop and food pantry where her station manager says she is conscientious, always smiling and happy.

At 82, Barbara remains a dedicated volunteer dynamo. “Find something that fits,” she says of volunteering. “Not every station is the same, but that’s a good thing because there is something for everyone. The camaraderie is the best thing. It’s like family.”

Looking at the positive impact of NYSOFA’s honorees, and the nearly 1 million other older volunteers helping communities across New York, it’s clear to see older adults are vital to strengthening communities and local, regional, state and national economies. In fact, older adult volunteers in New York contribute 474 million hours of community service at an economic value of $13.2 billion.

Steve Crandall has made volunteering a priority throughout his life. His volunteering includes service as church deacon, music ministry and as an ambulance driver for 35 years with the Alfred Fire Company. Additionally, he is co-chairman of the Alfred Area Food Pantry.

Upon retirement, Steve began volunteering for the Office for the Aging as a home-delivered meals driver, also providing transportation, tax counseling for older adults and entertainment at congregate meal sites.

He and his wife, Pat, are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this month. They have three children and three grandchildren. He was an academic librarian at Alfred University for 41 years and served as the dean of libraries before retiring in 2018. In his leisure time, he enjoys singing, keyboard playing and bike riding.

“I will never understand why people don’t want to volunteer,” Steve says. “Volunteering is a privilege and a pleasure. It provides satisfaction to know you have been useful to someone.”