Glenmeadow has officially announced the recipients of its 2026 Age of Excellence Awards, honoring individuals over the age of 60 who continue to drive profound civic, cultural, and social impact. Launched in 2024, the awards program highlights individuals who embody vitality, purpose, and leadership during what is frequently described as the third age of life.
This year’s independent selection committee reviewed more than 30 nominations submitted from across Western Mass., according to organizational announcements. The diverse cohort of honorees represents a wide spectrum of professional backgrounds, yet each shares a dedication to intentional living and community contribution. Kathy Martin, president and CEO of Glenmeadow, emphasized the broader cultural significance of the honorees’ achievements.
“These honorees have each made a lasting impact on their communities,” Kathy Martin said in a statement. “While their stories are all unique, what unites them is a sense of purpose, a commitment to service, and an ability to inspire others to invest in their communities. Their accomplishments offer a powerful perspective on aging, longevity, and what is possible at every stage of life.”
Meet the 2026 Age of Excellence Honorees
The individuals chosen for the 2026 cohort span fields ranging from public librarianship and housing administration to grassroots advocacy, athletics support, and specialized health ministry.
Jean Canosa Albano serves as the assistant director for Public Services at the Springfield City Library and maintains a heavy schedule as a community volunteer. Alongside championing early education, literacy initiatives, and civic engagement for local families, she is widely known as one of the most dedicated supporters of the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Brooks Fitch transitioned to community service following a career with IBM, returning to his hometown of Springfield. He recently established the Harrison Fitch Leadership Fund, a youth leadership initiative named in honor of his father, who broke barriers as UConn’s first Black basketball player.
Denise Jordan directs the Springfield Housing Authority as its executive director, bringing extensive administrative experience to the role after spending more than a decade as chief of staff to Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. Her career is defined by public service and community leadership.
Denise Kelcey continued her public service trajectory following her retirement from the Hampden County Sheriff’s Correctional Industries Business Office. She now channels her expertise into the Sheriff’s Office Workforce Initiative, working to expand economic opportunities, empower regional job seekers, and strengthen the local labor market.
Liz O’Gilvie tackles systemic food insecurity in vulnerable neighborhoods through her leadership with Gardening the Community and the Springfield Food Policy Council. She is an active advocate for local families working to combat food apartheid across Massachusetts.
Paul Picknelly has played a central role in downtown Springfield’s revitalization, fostering new ventures in business, entertainment, and tourism. His advocacy for professional hockey in the city has helped anchor the Springfield Thunderbirds as an organization that supports local nonprofits and connects people throughout the region.
Margaret Toomey is the program director at the Cancer House of Hope located in West Springfield, providing direct support services to patients and families navigating cancer diagnoses. A former culinary arts teacher, she also coordinates the annual Bikes Fight Cancer charity ride to benefit research and treatment programs.
Gloria Wilson draws upon a four-decade nursing career to encourage older adults to view aging as a period of personal transformation. Operating as a mentor and health advocate, she focuses heavily on faith-based health ministries and successful longevity strategies.
Brenda Garton-Sjoberg, a former WWLP anchor, has been named the 2026 honorary recipient. Following her broadcasting career, she educated future journalists as a professor of Communications at Western New England University and continues to support regional nonprofits while serving as the emcee for the annual awards event.
Ceremony Details and Community Celebration
The public is invited to attend the Age of Excellence Awards ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 2, scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Twin Hills Country Club. The evening brings together honorees, families, local leaders, and community supporters to recognize these contributions to regional life.
Community members interested in attending the ceremony, learning more about the honorees, or purchasing tickets can visit the official Glenmeadow portal at glenmeadow.org. Organizations and individuals seeking sponsorship opportunities for the event can contact Lauren Allen directly by email at [email protected] or by phone at (413) 355-5906.
As preparations for the September gala continue, organizers encourage community members to review the honoree profiles and participate in the upcoming celebration of longevity, leadership, and public service.
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