NEW SCOTLAND — Deb Engel, New Scotland’s senior outreach coordinator, was recently honored with the New York State Senate Commendation Award for her work supporting the town’s senior citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Engel, who also received the Albany County Legislature’s Beyond the Call COVID-19 Award in May, was presented with the award by state Senator  Michelle Hinchey on Sept. 10 at the Wyman Osterhout Community Center in New Salem. 

Early in the pandemic, Engel set up a local volunteer group that delivered meals, personal protective equipment, medications, and other essentials for homebound seniors while also personally securing over 400 vaccination appointments. 

In July, Engel informed the New Scotland Town Board that, with the help of the sheriff’s office, the county’s department of aging, Rite Aid, and Caring Wellness Pharmacy of Cohoes, 620 shots were administered to New Scotland senior citizens during the pandemic.