LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Claudette "Sis" Johnson of Varna, New
York, upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Senior
Citizen of the Year Award

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, 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, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Claudette "Sis" Johnson of Varna, New York, upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Senior Citizen of the Year Award; this
auspicious occasion will be celebrated at the Advisory Committee of
Tompkins County Office for the Aging's 2012 Luncheon, to be held on
Thursday, May 24, 2012, at the Clarion Hotel in Ithaca, New York; and
WHEREAS, Claudette "Sis" Johnson of Varna, New York, has devoted a
lifetime to serving local families; she will soon reach her 50th year of
volunteering for the American Red Cross, and is also a long-standing
leader within the Retired and Senior Volunteer program (RSVP); and
WHEREAS, A three-term Board member for the American Red Cross of Tomp-
kins County, Claudette "Sis" Johnson chaired its Service to Military
Families and is currently Tompkins County American Red Cross Blood Drive
Volunteer Coordinator; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Claudette "Sis" Johnson has organized and coor-
dinated the Crafty People knitting group for six years, and taught knit-
ting at the Tompkins County 4H for two years; as an RSVP volunteer for
19 years, she has knitted/crocheted for Cayuga Medical Center, Cancer
Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, Franziska Racker Centers, Lansing
United Methodist Church, Groton Nursing Home and Cayuga Ridge; and
WHEREAS, Demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to serving her
neighbors which spans across several volunteer roles, Claudette "Sis"
Johnson has been a leader of the Varna Community Association for 15
years, serving as volunteer coordinator, social secretary , RSVP liai-
son, event cashier, pinochle club coordinator and assisting with
bottle/can redemption fundraising; and
WHEREAS, Claudette "Sis" Johnson is also active with the Varna United
Methodist Church, serving five years as a Board member, and has served
as social secretary for the Varna Fire Department for five years; she
has been actively involved in several other worthy community organiza-
tions, including the Salvation Army and Caroline Food Pantry; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Claudette "Sis" John-
son has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned
the respect and admiration of her colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Claudette "Sis" Johnson has
displayed throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Claudette "Sis" Johnson of Varna, New York, upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the Senior Citizen of the Year Award;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Claudette "Sis" Johnson.