2011-J4545
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the volunteers of Wonderful Wheelchairs
upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of Outstanding
Contribution by Senior Citizen Awards
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 the
volunteers of Wonderful Wheelchairs upon the occasion of their desig-
nation as recipients of Outstanding Contribution by Senior Citizen
Awards; 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, Wonderful Wheelchairs is a program conducted by the Retired
and Senior Volunteer program volunteers in which old, poorly operating
manual wheelchairs are repaired, refurbished and made available to
persons in the Ithaca area who need them; and
WHEREAS, Founded by Carol Johns, who saw a need and developed the
organization, and ably assisted by Ardie Bennett and Monte May, Wonder-
ful Wheelchairs maintains a well-equipped workshop in the basement of
Cayuga Ridge; and
WHEREAS, The volunteers of Wonderful Wheelchairs work on Wednesday and
Friday mornings, cleaning and refurbishing wheelchairs; they have
restored approximately 100 wheelchairs for needy individuals at Cayuga
Ridge, the Finger Lakes Independence Center and elsewhere in the commu-
nity since the founding of the organization; and
WHEREAS, Carol Johns, Ardie Bennett and Monte May have been designated
as recipients of the Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen Award
by the Advisory Committee of Tompkins County Office for the Aging; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of their professional and commu-
nity service, a period of constructive involvement, Carol Johns, Ardie
Bennett and Monte May have stood constant in dignity, good grace and
humor, and have earned the respect and admiration of their colleagues,
family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Carol Johns, Ardie Bennett and Monte May
have displayed throughout their lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the volunteers of Wonderful Wheelchairs upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients of Outstanding Contribution by Senior Citizen
Awards; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Carol Johns, Ardie Bennett and Monte May.