LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 40th Anniversary of City of
Auburn RSVP, to be celebrated on June 13, 2013

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; 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 concerns, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 40th Anniversary of City of Auburn RSVP; this milestone event
will be celebrated at its Annual Recognition Luncheon, on Thursday, June
13, 2013, at the Holiday Inn, Auburn, New York; and
WHEREAS, Nationally, RSVP (Retired Senior and Volunteer Program) was
established in 1971, and is now one of the largest volunteer networks in
the nation for people 55 and over; in the program, senior citizens
either draw on the skills and talents they have acquired over the years,
or develop new capacities, to serve in a wide range of volunteer activ-
ities and organizations within their communities; and
WHEREAS, RSVP is part of Senior Corps, and is administered by the
Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), an independent
federal agency that supports service and volunteering programs to
improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, City of Auburn RSVP was founded in 1973, as a result of a
grant written by the staff of Schwartz Towers, an apartment complex for
seniors, and the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department; it is now spon-
sored by CNCS, New York State, the City of Auburn, and the Cayuga County
Office for the Aging; and
WHEREAS, City of Auburn RSVP was first located at Schwartz Towers, and
had 75 to 100 individuals enrolled in the program who volunteered at
various sites including Schwartz Towers, Mercy Rehab, and Auburn Memori-
al Hospital; in 1980, the much expanded organization shifted to new
offices; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Mary Ann Kolo since 2007,
City of Auburn RSVP now has over 500 volunteers who, within this last
year, shared close to 85,600 hours of their time and talent at more than
45 agencies and nonprofits in Auburn and Cayuga County, including
libraries, hospitals, museums, nutrition sites and nursing homes; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of City of Auburn RSVP; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mary Ann Kolo, Program Director, City of Auburn RSVP.