The Westchester Senior Citizens Hall of Fame inducted a new class in December. Honorees were nominated by community members for their contributions to the county through their professions and volunteer efforts over the years. Each inductee is recognized with an engraved plaque located at the Westchester Department of Senior Citizens Programs and Services office in Mount Vernon. With centuries of experience among the nominees, we wanted to know what advice they would give their younger selves:
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Ralph Vellone, 84 Rye
“I’ve done quite a bit for the community, but the advice I’d give myself is to start at a younger age so that I could do more for mankind.”
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Pearl Christian Quarles, 86 New Rochelle
[Inducted 2015] “Stay focused, with positive life goals and sincere outreach to help others; take the time to listen to those who have experienced life and can help you to stay on course.”
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John F. Larkin, 67 Eastchester
“I would say, I should have asked more questions, both in and out of the classroom. Pursue the truth. It sounds easy, but it isn’t. The pressures of life can seem suffocating.”
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Mamie Masullo, 86 Ossining
“Don’t be a wimp! You know, you get bold with experience, and you become more aggressive. But at a young age, I didn’t know any better. I wish I took more chances and wasn’t as shy.”
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Marie Murphy, 79 Peekskill
“Always believe you’re smarter than you are, braver than you believe you are, and stronger than you think you are.”
