LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Highlanders Senior Citizens Club
upon the occasion of the celebration of its 40th Anniversary

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 Highlanders Senior Citizens Club upon the occasion of the cele-
bration of its 40th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, On April 18, 1972, a meeting at Sacred Heart School Library
conducted by the Town of Highlands Supervisor, Arthur Yagel and attended
by Reverend Thomas Melican, Reverend William Hunter and Joseph Aylward
determined the need for a senior citizen organization in their town; and
WHEREAS, The first meeting on April 27, 1972 brought out about 100
seniors; Joseph Aylward was designated temporary chairman; Reverend
Thomas Melican welcomed everyone and introduced Bus Ochs, the Orange
County Senior Coordinator; and
WHEREAS, On July 27, 1972, the club was officially organized and on
August 15 of that same year, the first slate of officers was elected to
include: President, Joseph Aylward; Vice-president, Edward Gee; Secre-
tary, Marie Webber; Treasurer, Johanna O'Morrissey; all were installed
by Albert Hansen of the Orange County Seniors; and
WHEREAS, Upon its inception, the Highlanders Senior Citizens Club
became the 17th Senior Club in Orange County; today, there are over 50
such clubs; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, there have been cake sales, penny socials and
raffles to benefit the Highlanders Senior Citizens Club and an annual
daffodil sale for the benefit of cancer research; and
WHEREAS, In the last five years, the club has established a scholar-
ship fund to benefit a student from Highland Falls/Ft. Montgomery who
has displayed good citizenship and performed community service; and
WHEREAS, The Highlanders Senior Citizens Club also sponsored a 50/50
raffle to buy uniforms for the high school band; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, many of the Highlanders Senior Citizens Club
members participate in the Meals on Wheels program; and
WHEREAS, The Highlanders Senior Citizens Club has scheduled trips at
various times throughout the year which have made it possible for many
of its members to travel with their friends and neighbors and enjoy many
historic sights, state shows, vacation spots and resorts; past trips
have included journeys to Maine, Rhode Island, Florida, Canada and
Ireland; and
WHEREAS, This significant milestone is an excellent opportunity to
recognize the special contributions of the Highlanders Senior Citizens
Club and the dedicated individuals who strive to better the quality of
life for senior citizens in the community; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and
celebrate the legacy of New York's senior citizens who have experienced
tumultuous changes in the 20th Century, including the dawn of the nucle-
ar age, the rise of the computer, and the proliferation of the automo-
bile, television, technology and so many other innovations, of the Amer-
ican spirit, and who now represent a great and willing source of

knowledge available to our great State of New York; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Highlanders Senior Citizens Club upon the occasion of the
celebration of its 40th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Highlanders Senior Citizens Club.