LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Marcella Beigel upon the occasion of
celebrating her 25 years as Columbia County RSVP Director

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Marcella Beigel upon the occasion of celebrating her 25 years as Colum-
bia County RSVP Director; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at
the organization's Recognition Event, to be held on Thursday, June 4,
2009; and
WHEREAS, Marcella Beigel has been the only Columbia County Director of
RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) since its inception 25 years
ago; she has enlisted more than 500 volunteers who serve at 70 locations
within the county; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Marcella Beigel created the R.I.D.E. program in
1989; it is a specialized RSVP transportation service for seniors only
that provides much needed transportation for seniors to health related
appointments; and
WHEREAS, The R.I.D.E. program is aimed at independent seniors living
at home, who are able to remain at home with the help of R.I.D.E.; it
has grown over these past 20 years to a client base of 941 with 840
destinations in Columbia County and nearby locations; and
WHEREAS, Among the additional special projects for which Marcella
Beigel has received national recognition and acclaim is the Fire Pro
Check program under the auspices of RSVP; it utilizes the specialized
skills, expertise and experiences of retired volunteer firemen or paid
firemen and some members of the women's auxiliary, helping to educate,
graphically demonstrate on premises and explain fire safety and
prevention for those seniors over 55 who live alone or in couples in
either owned or rented houses; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Marcella Beigel's leadership is responsible for
the unique, and nationally prominent and heralded, BLACC Legacy program
which researches and assembles the proud and glorious black history and
heritage of Columbia County; and
WHEREAS, Prior to moving to Columbia County, Marcella Beigel founded
an animal shelter in Rockland County, served in the Animal Rights Divi-
sion of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, and
served as Chairperson of the Rockland Transportation Committee; and
WHEREAS, Marcella Beigel also served on the Board of Directors of the
New York State Green Thumb project; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Marcella Beigel has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of her colleagues, family and friends; rare
indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the bene-
fit of others which Marcella Beigel has displayed throughout her life;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments, who serve to bring people
together for such constructive and beneficial purposes, are brought to
our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Marcella Beigel upon the occasion of celebrating her 25 years as
Columbia County RSVP Director; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Marcella Beigel.