Wartburg 'Salute To Seniors' Looks A Little Different This Year

MOUNT VERNON, NY — While the annual Salute to Seniors celebration in Westchester is normally a grand affair, this year, the kickoff of festivities could more accurately be described as an intimate garden party.

With the elderly being especially susceptible to the ravages of the coronavirus, organizers opted for smaller outdoor gatherings to honor the event’s 53rd year. While the kickoff at Wartburg was a less crowded affair, it was no less elegant with white tablecloths, live musicians playing big band standards and a who’s who of county and city officials marking the occasion in style.

The events were canceled last year at the peak of the pandemic crisis.

“Westchester County’s senior citizens are an important part of our communities, and they deserve to be recognized for the accomplishments they’ve made over the years,” Westchester County Executive George Latimer said in remarks kicking off the festivities. “We created events like the Salute to Seniors many years ago to bring people together and create access to the programs and services seniors need to feel healthy and safe. I am thrilled that the annual Salute to Seniors event is making a triumphant return in 2021.”

Older Americans Month was established in 1963, when most of this year’s honorees were still youngsters. The month-long acknowledgment of contributions by senior citizens has become a much anticipated Westchester County tradition.

Rather than the traditional gala honoring seniors and care workers, there will be four smaller outdoor events limited to 200 attendees at each with lunch provided. The celebrations will be held in garden and picnic spaces across the county.

Here are the other scheduled Salute to Seniors event times and locations:

• Ridge Road Park on May 26, at 10 a.m.
• Croton Point Park June 2, at 10 a.m.
• Tibbetts Brook Park on June 9, at 10 a.m.

In a creative move to help more seniors attend the event in person this year, the Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation will be providing free rides all day for seniors attending a Salute to Seniors event, on all Bee-Line fixed route buses. The free all-day transportation is not limited to bus rides to and from the events

“This year’s theme, ‘Communities of Strength,’ is especially important,” Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) Commissioner Mae Carpenter said. “Throughout this past year, our community has had to come together like never before to continue to communicate to and support our Senior Citizens. Now, we are stronger than ever.”

Parking and admission at the Salute to Seniors celebrations are free of charge, but advanced reservations are required. To RSVP, call (914) 513-5208.