LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Director Annie Mae Henderson upon the
occasion of her retirement after many years of distinguished service to
Elmcor Senior Citizens Center, East Elmhurst, New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed resi-
dents of this noble Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Director Annie Mae Henderson upon the occasion of her retirement after
many years of distinguished service to Elmcor Senior Citizens Center,
East Elmhurst, New York; and
WHEREAS, A special tribute in recognition of this outstanding woman's
stellar career will be held at Dante's in Jackson Heights, New York, on
Saturday, October 15, 2011, in conjunction with the 39th Anniversary
celebration of the Elmcor Senior Citizens Center where she has served as
Director since 1974; and
WHEREAS, One of the largest non-profit community service agencies in
Queens, Elmcor's mission is to enrich the lives of individuals and fami-
lies and to build a better Queens community by providing quality recre-
ation, education and social service programs while fostering the values
of responsibility and respect; and
WHEREAS, Annie Mae Henderson has been a resident of the East Elmhurst
community since the early 1950s; she received a Bachelor of Science
degree in Nursing from Dillard University in New Orleans, and earned a
Master's degree in Gerontological Sciences Administration from the New
School; and
WHEREAS, A strong supporter of meeting the needs of individuals and
families, Annie Mae Henderson gave of her time participating in
fundraising events as well as little league and youth activities; and
WHEREAS, A determined, dedicated group of seniors purchased the former
Whalen's Drug Store and, along with Annie Mae's family, transformed it
into Elmcor Senior Citizens Center; and
WHEREAS, The Center was established in 1972 as a drop-in site located
in the basement of 98-04 Astoria Boulevard; at this time, Annie Mae
Henderson was serving as a VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America)
Volunteer; and
WHEREAS, This significant organization takes great pride in being a
place for senior citizens and their loved ones to come to when seeking
answers to questions or in need of vital services such as home delivered
meals, senior transportation, and meal sites; and
WHEREAS, In 1974, Annie Mae Henderson became the Director of the
Center, and today, it has grown into a multi-service Senior Center with
more than 400 registered members; and
WHEREAS, As Director, Annie Mae Henderson developed new and innovative
programs, activities and services to be offered at the Center designed
to promote the social, physical and emotional well-being of its senior
members; and
WHEREAS, The Elmcor Senior Citizens Center supports a Healthy Aging
concept and believes it is important for seniors to keep their mind and
body active so they can live longer, healthier and happy lives; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her work with Elmcor, Annie Mae Henderson
volunteered her time and energies to organizations within her community
such as Scouting and the Mother's Club at St. Gabriel's School; and
WHEREAS, Annie Mae Henderson has been honored by numerous community
groups for her exceptional contributions to both individual programs and
the community, including Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities, Inc., East

Elmhurst-Corona Chapter of the NAACP, the National Council of Negro
Women, the Queens Borough President's Office, The East Elmhurst-Corona
Kiwanis Club, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority-Phi Omega Chapter, just
to name a few; and
WHEREAS, Annie Mae was married to the late Earl Henderson; today, she
is the loving mother of four children, Earl Jr., Michael, Brenda and
Margaret, and the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren, all of whom
feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achieve-
ments; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, leadership, and commitment as that demonstrated by
Annie Mae Henderson over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to
others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Director Annie Mae Henderson upon the occasion of her retirement
after many years of distinguished service to Elmcor Senior Citizens
Center; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Annie Mae Henderson.