Three Tompkins County residents were recognized for their volunteer service and advocacy on behalf of older adults during the Tompkins County Office for the Aging’s annual luncheon last month.
More than 75 community members attended the May 15 event at Hotel Ithaca, where county officials honored volunteers whose work has supported older adults and strengthened the community.
Harlin McEwen and Maureen Shallish received the Outstanding Volunteer Award for their longtime commitment to public service.
McEwen, a former law enforcement executive and public safety leader, was recognized for his ongoing volunteer work with the Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response. Since 2021, he has served as the county’s Public Safety Interoperability Coordinator in an unpaid role, helping improve emergency communications and coordination among public safety agencies.
Shallish was honored for more than 25 years of volunteer service with Loaves & Fishes of Tompkins County and her work with several other local organizations. Officials cited her involvement with Hospicare’s bereavement program, the Community Science Institute, education initiatives and her faith community.
Andrea “Andie” Kabcenell received the Stephen Philip Johnson Ombudsman Award for her work as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman volunteer. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate compassionate advocacy for residents of long-term care facilities.
Earlier this year, Kabcenell was also named the 2026 Older New Yorkers Day Long Term Care Ombudsman of the Year by the New York State Office for the Aging.
The luncheon featured a keynote address from health literacy consultant Karen Brown, who spoke about the importance of healthcare advocacy and health literacy for older adults and their families. Brown shared lessons from her personal experience supporting her wife following a diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia.
“Our volunteers are at the heart of what makes Tompkins County such a strong and caring community,” Office for the Aging Director Lisa Monroe said in a statement. “Harlin, Maureen and Andie have each demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to helping others.”
The Tompkins County Office for the Aging provides information and services to older adults, caregivers and people with long-term care needs. Established in 1975, the agency’s mission is to help residents live independently in their homes and communities while maintaining quality of life and dignity.
