Senate Resolution No. 1259

BY: Senator BONACIC

COMMENDING Town Clerk Linda Shepard upon the
occasion of her retirement after more than 44 years
of distinguished service to the Town of Hamden

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those
individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Town Clerk Linda Shepard upon the occasion of her retirement
after more than 44 years of distinguished service to the Town of Hamden;
and

WHEREAS, At the age of 80, Town Clerk Linda Shepard is officially
retiring from her position as the Hamden Town Clerk on Friday, March 31,
2017; and

WHEREAS, Linda Shepard was born in Ashland, New York, and attended
school in Andes, Arena, and Delhi, New York; in 1956, she married
Leonard Shepard, a former Delaware Academy schoolmate; together, the
couple raised their three children in their home in Delancey, New York,
where she still resides today; and

WHEREAS, Linda Shepard's long and distinguished career began on
January 1, 1973, when she accepted the Town Clerk position; she then ran
for the title, and has been reelected every time since; throughout her
tenure, she has served under five different Supervisors, and only missed
three board meetings; and

WHEREAS, When Linda Shepard assumed the title of Town Clerk, her
home became her office and the board meeting location; a truly caring
and hospitable woman, she enjoyed serving coffee and homemade cookies to
the residents who attended town meetings; and

WHEREAS, In 1988, Linda Shepard's office was moved to the new town
hall; as Hamden Town Clerk, she was the official keeper of the municipal
records; in this capacity, she issued licenses and permits, handled the
pavilion and hall rentals, and inscribed the town meeting minutes; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her role as Town Clerk, Linda Shepard has
written a weekly column containing local news for The Reporter for over
40 years; she also represented her town as a member of the Delaware
County Town Clerks Association, where she held the titles of both Vice
President and President; and

WHEREAS, In her much deserved retirement, Linda Shepard looks
forward to spending more time with her family and her friends,
completing various projects around her house, and going on shopping
trips to Pennsylvania with her daughter; and

WHEREAS, Linda Shepard rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable
service to the Town of Hamden; and


WHEREAS, As Town Clerk, Linda Shepard served with loyalty, honor and
distinction, and was governed by a keen sense of duty, always showing a
unique grasp of human problems; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her three children,
grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren, as well as her late husband,
Leonard, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and
rejoice in her achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Town Clerk Linda Shepard upon the occasion of her retirement
after more than 44 years of distinguished service to the Town of Hamden,
and to wish her well in all her future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Town Clerk Linda Shepard.