LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending The Grand Island Golden Age Center
upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary on May 23, 2010

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose purposeful
endeavors serve to enhance the quality of life for the cherished senior
citizens in their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
The Grand Island Golden Age Center upon the occasion of its 50th Anni-
versary to be celebrated at an Open House on Sunday, May 23, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The history of the Senior Citizens Clubs began with The Rose
Institute in Cleveland, Ohio; with the cooperation of other agencies, a
program was launched to develop clubs through other communities in the
area; soon the movement mushroomed throughout the United States, demon-
strating a need for seniors to collaborate on relevant issues to enhance
the later part of their lives; and
WHEREAS, The Grand Island Golden Age Club was organized in December
1959; Eileen Coulter, in conjunction with the Recreation Commission
Chairman, Ann Goodman, recruited help from Dorothy Bascomb, an Island
resident and Alice Moordian, who was from the Niagara Falls Chapter; and
WHEREAS, The first meeting was held with 26 people in attendance; the
meetings were sponsored by the Rotary Club in the Sidway School and
eventually at various sites throughout Grand Island; the Knights of
Columbus Hall was home for the club from 1961-1974; and
WHEREAS, Still without a site they could call home, the members
launched a search for a permanent location where they could expand their
meetings and services; when the Whitehaven Road Nike Base building
became available the seniors sent in a request to take over the site to
be used as their permanent Club headquarters; and
WHEREAS, After receiving approval, a committee was established and
by-laws were written, which are still followed today; programs and other
events were suggested and eventually organized for the seniors on Grand
Island; and
WHEREAS, In addition, a newsletter was developed to inform the public
of the functions and upcoming events of the Senior Center; without a
name for the publication a contest was held for the most suitable title;
"The Golden Voice" was entered by Josephine Liable and was the winner;
the newsletter has been published monthly since that time; and
WHEREAS, Eileen Coulter was the first Director of The Grand Island
Golden Age Center; she was followed by Dorothy Bascomb and in December
of 1962, Gladys Smith took over and proudly served as Director until her
retirement in 1978; during her reign a hot luncheon program was estab-
lished; and
WHEREAS, Dorothy Rowswell became the Director of the Golden Age Club
in 1978; under her able leadership, the Center established a daily sche-
dule of programs and events reaching a wide range of interests; she also
developed a Senior Citizens Transportation program, bringing people not
only to the Center but also to doctor appointments, shopping, and bank-
ing; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, Barbara Gannon, an exemplary leader, took the reins
of The Grand Island Golden Age Club and continues to serve in this
capacity today; and

WHEREAS, The success of The Grand Island Golden Age Club can be attri-
buted to the hardworking staff, administrators, and volunteers who have
done so much to provide social, physical, and spiritual well-being to
these senior citizens; and
WHEREAS, This significant milestone is an excellent opportunity to
recognize the special contributions of The Grand Island Golden Age Club
and the dedicated individuals who strive to better the quality of life
for senior citizens in the community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend The Grand Island Golden Age Club upon the occasion of its 50th
Anniversary, fully confident that in its future, it will enjoy the same
success which has so characterized its past; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Grand Island Golden Age Club.