Senate Resolution No. 2109

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Lydia Cole upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Oneida County May
2026 Older American's Award

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Lydia Cole
upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Oneida County
May 2026 Older American's Award by the Oneida County Office for Aging
and Continuing Care; she will be honored on Tuesday, May 26, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Lydia Cole, affectionately known as "Grandma" to many,
volunteers four days each week in the Universal Pre-Kindergarten
classroom at North Utica Community Center, making a profound impact on
the lives over 30 students each year; and

WHEREAS, For the past nine years, Lydia Cole has volunteered at the
North Utica Community Center where she assists children with craft
projects and lessons, dances and sings with them, and offers loving hugs
and gracious comfort to every child in need; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Utica, New York for over 21 years, Lydia Cole
previously worked for Mid-York Library System where she became adept at
fostering meaningful relationships with the members of her community,
including children; and

WHEREAS, Members of older generations have helped build and shape
our Nation to be the greatest in the world; they have defended our
freedoms and values to ensure that those who come after them may have
better lives; nowhere in the Nation is the legacy of their efforts more
visible and more a part of the lives of all citizens than here in the
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Lydia Cole has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, Lydia Cole, an active and industrious woman, has inspired
and enriched the lives of those she serves through her volunteerism,
generously sharing the wisdom gained over years of experiencing life to
its fullest; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Lydia Cole upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Oneida County May 2026 Older American's Award; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Lydia Cole.