Perry Brown and Allan Wallace Recognized
for Volunteerism and Civic Engagement
The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) recently honored over 100 older adults, including Perry Brown and Allan Wallace from Monroe County, for their extraordinary volunteerism as part of NYSOFA’s annual Older New Yorkers’ Day celebration. The event took place on May 26 in Albany, during Older Americans Month.
New York’s 59 county-based offices for the aging and their partners nominate outstanding older adults each year who enrich their communities, making them stronger, inclusive, and supportive through their extraordinary volunteerism and civic engagement.
In a proclamation for Older Americans Month, Governor Kathy Hochul stated, “New York State honors the older adults who give back in their communities through mentorship, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and service to our country, and expresses gratitude for their volunteerism that serves as the cornerstone for the vital operations of thousands of nonprofits, human services organizations, educational institutions, and community groups.”
Perry Brown
Perry Brown was a humble public servant who always deflected praise for the work he did, whether paid or volunteer. As a Weatherization, Referral and Packaging (WRAP) program Coordinator for Lifespan of Greater Rochester, and later a program monitor for Monroe County Office for the Aging, Brown was Monroe County’s expert at helping older people with very difficult home repair and maintenance situations. Brown had an inherent gift to put older people at ease when he visited their homes. He always showed immense patience and grace in difficult situations. No job was too big, no situation too challenging. His collaborations with housing agencies and local grant makers often led to positive results and very grateful community members.
Brown’s volunteer contributions had an immense impact on the aging network. He quietly and willingly reached out to help where help was needed most. Eve Moses, Lifespan’s Partners In Caring volunteer coordinator, recalls when Brown willingly accepted a respite volunteer role to support a disabled caregiver and her husband with Alzheimer’s disease – a role all other volunteers had turned away. He visited the couple every Friday evening, with three fish fries in hand. He both supported the caregiver and spent time with his new friend. And when Brown’s own anniversary fell on a Friday night, he invited the couple to join him and his wife for dinner out.
Brown was an asset to Monroe County’s aging network, a dedicated public servant, and a kind friend to all who had the good fortune to know him.
Allan Wallace
Allan Wallace was a bank manager at First Federal for 22 years. He started working at Lifespan of Greater Rochester in 2001 in the Financial Management Program, helping older adults with bill-paying and counseling them. He retired in January 2012 to enjoy some time traveling for two to three months to warmer weather in Florida. In the fall of 2012, Wallace returned to Lifespan in the Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP), volunteering and serving older adults at the Gates Town Hall. He counseled them on Medicare, various Advantage Plans, the Medicare Savings Program, and assisted individuals by providing information to sign up for coverage.
Wallace and his wife moved to a 55+ community in the Chili area in the Fall of 2020. The next year, he organized and started the same HIICAP volunteer program in the new Chili Community Center, assisting more older adults with their medical choices and decisions.
He is a 50-year member of the Greece Rotary Club, where he served as treasurer and board member. He has much experience in community service and fundraising efforts, including volunteering at the LPGA for 30 years and also helping at Camp Haccamo, which provides a camping experience for children and young adults with disabilities.
Wallace said, “We have all been blessed to be part of our community. It is only right and our privilege to give back to others.”
