LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Daniel Fletcher upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Dreamer Award by Orange AHRC on April 9,
2015

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Daniel Fletcher upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Dreamer Award by Orange AHRC to be celebrated on Thursday, April 9,
2015, at Anthony's Pier 9 in New Windsor, New York; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1954, Orange AHRC provides services and housing to
children and adults with developmental disabilities including those with
autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and intellectu-
al and learning disorders; its mission is to assist people with disabil-
ities in becoming respected and valued members of their communities; and
WHEREAS, Orange AHRC is focused on promoting community membership for
adults with disabilities in three major areas: employment, volunteerism,
and group affiliation; through active engagement in public life, the men
and women supported by the agency gain both respect and visibility; and
WHEREAS, Daniel Fletcher has worked for many years in the retail and
the food industry, holding a variety of positions at such companies as
TJ's Baseball Shop and Denny's Restaurant; he has also attended Orange
AHRC's day program and worked in the sheltered workshop at Campbell Hall
for several years; and
WHEREAS, After officially retiring in 2013, Daniel Fletcher decided to
make key changes in his life; he began attending the Orange AHRC Commu-
nity Builders Program which helps those in the Day Habilitation Program
achieve true community inclusion through volunteerism; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Daniel Fletcher became highly active in the
self-advocacy group which meets at Orange AHRC's Art Gallery in Middle-
town; currently, he serves as President of the Community
Builders/Campbell Hall Self-Advocacy group; and
WHEREAS, While volunteering at Horton Hospital, Daniel Fletcher had a
strong desire to be on the radio; he was introduced to the world of
radio with the help of Orange AHRC professionals and members of the
community, and found a way for his voice to be heard, fulfilling his
ultimate dream; and
WHEREAS, Daniel Fletcher has been married for almost 20 years and
resides with his wife in a residential apartment in Montgomery, New
York; the two are very happy being able to make their own life deci-
sions, and are thankful for the services offered by Orange AHRC; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence 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
honor Daniel Fletcher upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Dreamer Award by the Orange AHRC; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Daniel Fletcher.