LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Richard Dickershaid upon the occasion of
being selected as the Schenectady County 2014 Senior Citizen of the Year
by the New York State Office for the Aging

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 Richard Dick-
ershaid upon the occasion of being selected as the Schenectady County
2014 Senior Citizen of the Year; this momentous occasion will be cele-
brated at the New York State Office for the Aging's 2014 Senior Citizens
Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at the Hart Theatre Lounge in
the Egg, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Each May in the State of New York and across the Nation,
during National Older Americans Month, the New York State Office for the
Aging pauses to acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by older
citizens; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, members of the older generation have helped
build and shape our Nation to be the greatest in the world; they have
defended out 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, Richard Dickershaid, a very active and industrious man, has
inspired and enriched the lives of his family and friends through his
love and respect for others, generously sharing the wisdom gained over
years of experiencing life to its fullest; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Duanesburg, New York, Richard Dicker-
shaid was born February 14, 1938; he graduated from Draper High School
in 1958, and Mohawk Valley Tech Center in 1962; and
WHEREAS, Richard Dickershaid retired from the New York State Office of
General Services after serving many years as a computer technician, as
well as from General Electric where he worked as a computer programmer;
and
WHEREAS, Richard Dickershaid has been called upon to contribute his
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, A steadfast volunteer for 58 years, Richard Dickershaid has
dedicated his life to the service of his community; he has served as a
camp counselor, little-league and baseball coach, and as an umpire; and
WHEREAS, After battling tuberculosis as a young child, Richard Dicker-
shaid developed a strong character as well as a determination and
passion to develop a baseball program for children and adults with
developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, For more than 22 years, Richard Dickershaid has devoted his
time, energy, heart and soul into the organization of his youth baseball
program for individuals with disabilities, the Challengers' Baseball
League; and
WHEREAS, Rising from unofficial sandlot games to organized games with
team uniforms, equipment, umpires, and cheering family and friends,
Richard Dickershaid found a permanent home for his League in 2010, at
Woestina Park, affectionately known as the Field of Dreams; and
WHEREAS, A true humanitarian, Richard Dickershaid's greatest reward is
the realization that he has accomplished his dream of creating a base-
ball league for all persons with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Richard Dickershaid has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Richard Dickershaid has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 50 years, Marge,
their two sons, seven grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren, all of
whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize and commend those who have witnessed and contributed to the devel-
opments and achievements of our Nation, State, and communities over the
course of their noteworthy lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Richard Dickershaid upon the occasion of being selected as the
Schenectady County 2014 Senior Citizen of the Year by the New York State
Office for the Aging; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard Dickershaid.