Queensbury Senior Center

Meet The Directors: Queensbury Senior Citizens On The Go!

One of the greatest assets of any community is their senior citizens. The Queensbury Senior Citizens, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that celebrates, supports, and values the contributions of our local seniors in a tangible way. We recently connected with Director of Operations Kathryn Cramer, and Director of Travel and Activities Melissa Pagnotta at the Queensbury Senior Center. . Together they invest incredible amounts of time, energy, and love in developing an environment where seniors can interact, thrive, grow, and share their invaluable experience with others and their community.

Q. Can you share a little history on how the Queensbury Senior Citizens got started?

A. Realizing the need for programs and services for senior citizens in the town of Queensbury, citizen Arthur Turnbull in January of 1980 successfully persuaded the Queensbury town board to form a senior citizens committee. On March 7, 1980 a group of more than 100 like-minded seniors met at the Queensbury town hall to elect the first slate of officers with Turnbull as President, and on March 17, 1980 the groups first monthly meeting was held at the Mohican Grange Hall. Two months later on April 28, 1980 a Certificate of Incorporation was filed and Queensbury Senior Citizens Inc. (QSC) was born.

We are a viable and growing organization because of the extraordinary support of the Town of Queensbury as well as the dedication of our members who have volunteered their time and effort in the past and continue to do so today.

Q. And a little history about you…when and how did you become Directors for the program?

A. Kathryn: In addition to being “mom” to my wonderful children, Benjamin & Madeline, I have always worked in the fields of Education and Social Services: being Teacher/Director of a private preschool, receiving certification to provide respite foster care for children newborn-age 21, and serving as Benefits Specialist and subsequently Clinical Coordinator for a vocational rehabilitation program for individuals with major mental health and/or developmental disabilities. I feel blessed to have been led to QSC, where I was hired as an Assistant Administrator in August of 2016. My passion must have shown, because I am now the Director of Operations. There is nowhere else that I would rather be!

A. Melissa: I was in hired in 2004 as Activity Director after being self-employed for a number of years as a graphic artist, sign and mural painter. My experience in creative marketing has helped tremendously in developing programs for the seniors. I began introducing a variety of instructional workshops, presentations, social and recreational activities which prior to that had been the sole responsibility of volunteers. Recognizing the need for broader experiences I began implementing a travel program first utilizing vans then graduating to charter buses, boats, trains and planes.

Q. What is the mission or function of the Queensbury Senior Citizens group?

A. Kathryn: We keep seniors on the go and living healthy, full lives through social interaction, educational growth, recreational fun, and giving back to our community.

Q. What is the size and demographic of the members you serve?

A. Kathryn: we have nearly 1300 current members, though our annual participation far exceeds this number.

Q. What do you find are the greatest needs for seniors in our area?

A. Kathryn: Camaraderie. That is why we provide a community where seniors can come together in a harmonious atmosphere.

Q. Can you tell us what kind of activities you provide for our seniors

A.Kathryn: we are always open to something new! Our activities are primarily social and recreational.

A. Melissa: Our activities are numerous from computer instruction to genealogy research, art lessons, crafting opportunities, informational seminars, community projects and recreational gatherings. Our travel program serves close to 500 passengers a year. Trips range from 1-10 days, with a day trip a month and both shorter and longer extended stays in the spring and fall.

Q. What is the greatest challenge – and greatest reward – with your positions?

A. Kathryn: The greatest challenge is not having enough space to accommodate our large membership. The greatest reward is getting the opportunity to work with amazing people! My favorite part of the job is getting to talk with the members one-on-one. There is an incredible amount of talent and knowledge at QSC.

A. Melissa: The greatest challenge is multitasking and staying on top of the huge volume of details required for the smooth running of programs & travel. The greatest reward is making a difference in a senior’s life whether they are lonely, recently widowed, dealing with challenging life circumstances or simply looking to enjoy shared experiences and continued growth. Office time requires diligent planning. While on the road I get to see my hard work come to fruition and spend the quality time I love with our members.

Q. How can someone get involved with the Queensbury senior citizens?

A. Just stop by for a tour and pick up our newsletter! You can become a member for small annual fee.

Learn more about the Queensbury Senior Citizens by visiting their website http://www.seniorsonthego.org.