The OFA Advisory Council is a group of individuals who have been appointed by the Lewis County Board of Legislators to provide information, guidance, advice and support to the Office for the Aging to develop, coordinate and administer services to older persons. The council is comprised of community leaders ages 60 and older, representatives of agencies serving older persons, and local elected officials.

The Advisory Council, which is mandated by the Older Americans Act, helps to develop and administer the Area Plan, conduct public hearings, represent the interests of older persons and review and comment on community policies, programs and actions which affect older persons. Other ways council members can serve is through assisting with needs assessments, advising on proposals for funding, assisting with the monitoring and evaluation of service providers and service delivery, testifying or making presentations at local and State legislative hearings or meetings, and/or assisting in recruiting and training of volunteers.

District 1- Barb Ward, Harrisville, NY (Secretary)

District 2- Marietta Virkler, Castorland, NY

District 3- Jerry Flanders, Copenhagen, NY (Vice-Chair)

District 4- Bruce Chapman, Beaver Falls, NY

District 5- Rose Ross, Lowville, NY

District 6- Kathleen Sitko, Glenfield, NY

District 7- John Karelus, Lowville, NY

District 8- Mary Ellen McManus, Lyons Falls, NY

District 9- Joan Goodfellow, Port Leyden, NY (Chair)

District 10- Geraldine Watkins, Port Leyden, NY

Special Populations- Linda Hirschey, Lowville, NY

NON-VOTING MEMBERS

Department of Social Services- Jennifer Jones, Commissioner

Lewis County Health System- Margaret Grant, Social Worker

Lewis County Treasurer- Taraden M. Lyndaker (Representative of Treasurer)

Dr. Daniel Root, Retired Physician

Lewis County Board of Legislators- Lisa Virkler, Legislator, Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee

Lewis County Board of Legislators- Andrea Moroughan, Legislator