Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has recognized Olivia “Dollie” Leibowitz as August’s Citizen of the Month. Leibowitz turns 105 on Sunday, August 1st and is also being recognized for her community service over the years.
Neuhaus attended a birthday celebration for Leibowitz on Friday, July 30th at The Desmond Center in the Town of Newburgh. Chairman of the Orange County Legislature Steve Brescia and Deputy County Clerk Kelly Eskew joined Neuhaus at the event.
“I’m glad I had a chance to offer Dollie my best wishes on this landmark birthday,” Neuhaus said. “Dollie is a wonderful woman and her many contributions to the community over the years are inspirational. She is an amazing example of aging in place and remains outgoing and vivacious.”
Leibowitz lives in her Town of Newburgh home by herself with the assistance of a network of loving neighbors, friends, and aides, and manages her iPad cell phone and other technology like a teenager. She loves to talk to friends about current events, sends cards to loved ones and friends on special occasions and is known for her kindness and Southern charm, which makes everyone feel welcome.
Leibowitz was born in 1916 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. She met her husband, Hal Leibowitz, in May of 1944 through mutual friends at a party for servicemen in Newburgh. Hal Leibowitz worked for DuPont and was transferred to Nashville in 1966. After another transfer to New Jersey in 1974, the family decided to return to Newburgh and retire. Hal Leibowitz passed away in 1990.
Dolly Leibowitz worked in the public relations/fundraising department at the former Cornwall Hospital, now known as Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall, retiring in 1985. After retirement, Leibowitz focused on community service and volunteering in Newburgh, working with the Amos & Sarah Aldrin Home, Habitat for Humanity, and the Moulton Memorial Baptist Church.
Asked about the key to her longevity, Leibowitz offered what she called her “pearls of wisdom.”
- Care about others
- Have a positive attitude
- Laugh
- Help those in need
- Don’t be critical or judgmental of others
“We all appreciate Dollie’s many contributions to Orange County and her positive energy and impact,” Neuhaus said. “I enjoyed having the opportunity to spend some time with her and to wish her a happy birthday.”
Neuhaus introduced his Citizen of the Month Award, which acknowledges outstanding Orange County residents, in January of 2017. To nominate someone for the Citizen of the Month Award, please email ceoffice@orangecountygov.com or mail a letter to “Citizen of the Month” at 255-275 Main Street Goshen, N.Y. 10924. Be sure to include the nominee’s name, hometown, a list of their accomplishments, why you are nominating them and any other pertinent information. Nominees must be from Orange County.
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.
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