Senate Resolution No. 916

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Raymond Harris upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the New York
State Office for the Aging on May 27, 2025

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 Raymond
Harris upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by
the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Older New Yorkers'
Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Albany:
The Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Each May, the New York State Office for the Aging pauses to
acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by older citizens during
National Older Americans Month; and

WHEREAS, With a passionate dedication to helping others, Raymond
Harris devotes much of his time to volunteer service; this admirable
devotion to service reflects his unwavering sense of compassion,
resilience, and profound sense of civic responsibility; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Harris is a resident of Utica, New York, and is
widely regarded for his kindness and being the first to lend a helping
hand to anyone in need; and

WHEREAS, For the past six years, Raymond Harris has earned the
esteem and respect of the neighbors in his apartment building by
assisting those in need in countless ways; he helps to clean off
residents' cars of snow, moves cars for the plow trucks, and helps those
who become stuck while driving in the snow; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Harris, in true selfless fashion, drives residents
to the store, to medical appointments, and other destinations of need;
he always goes above and beyond and is known to cook for those who
cannot cook for themselves, providing comfort and companionship every
step of the way; and

WHEREAS, This incredible citizen, Raymond Harris, works alongside
his friend to deliver bread and baked goods as well as organize food
drop offs and deliveries for anyone in need of such goods; 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, With him throughout have been his four children, fourteen
grandchildren, and four great granddaughters, all of whom have shown him
endless love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Raymond Harris has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Harris, a very active and industrious man, has
inspired and enriched the lives of those he serves through his
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 Raymond Harris upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 27, 2025;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Raymond Harris.