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Seniors recognized for community service

By Tom Momberg

Jim Alchus of Little Neck, who has been recognized for his volunteerism with children with disabilities, was crowned the “2015 Savvy Senior King” at the Association of Generational Experts for Seniors’ Savvy Senior Day.

The sixth-annual event at Parker Jewish Institute in New Hyde Park honored several older residents of Queens and Long Island for their efforts in their communities.

Alchus, 70, sustained severe injuries and a lifelong disability following a bicycle accident when he was 13 years old—an event that caused him memory loss, limited arm movement as well as limited sight, speech and mobility ever since.

Although Alchus overcame much in the following decades, his friends and neighbors admire him for his dedication in sharing his life’s journey and helping children who have sustained injuries or severe disabilities resulting from accidents.

For the kids at North Shore LIJ’s Cohen’s Children’s Hospital, Alchus’ story of personal triumph inspires them to overcome their critical injuries and encourages them to not let their disabilities define what they can or cannot do.

“Being named 2015 Savvy Senior King is a true honor. It is not only a testament of all that I have overcome and achieved, but also inspires and motivates me to continue doing even more in making a difference for children braving severe injury and disability,” Alchus said.

The Savvy Senior King said he volunteers his time helping youth, because he hopes to urge hospitals and organizations to increase their support for kids involved in accidents.

Alchus, a professional artist, volunteers much of his time at the Queens County Farm Museum in Floral Park, and shows old movie favorites to local retirees at the Samuel Field Y in Little Neck, as part of the organization’s supportive service program for the area, which the city has identified as a “naturally occurring retirement community.”

Alchus was the only person from Queens nominated for AGES’ Savvy Senior King or Queen. Joining him as Queen was Sabina Miller, 83, of Great Neck, was recognized for her volunteerism with several Long Island organizations.

“Savvy Senior Day is a special event that gives seniors living within our communities the opportunity to be recognized for all the wonderful accomplishments and contributions they’ve made and continue to make,” AGES Chairman Kevin Lawrence said in a statement.

AGES is a network of family and senior care professionals who seek to address the needs and challenges facing families and aging communities by helping to guide elderly people and family caregivers in improving the quality of life in those communities.

Reach reporter Tom Momberg by e-mail at tmomberg@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4573.