LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John Hampel upon the occasion of his
selection as the Delaware County 2015 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 John Hampel
upon the occasion of his selection as the Delaware County 2015 Senior
Citizen of the Year by the New York State Office for the Aging at its
Annual Senior Citizens Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at the
Hart Theatre Lounge in the Egg, 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, 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, Born in Yonkers, New York, 75 years ago, John Hampel has been
a resident of Downsville, New York, for 19 years; he earned a Master's
degree in Mechanical Engineering, and subsequently was an Instructor at
the State University of New York (SUNY) in Delhi for 28 years; and
WHEREAS, John Hampel has a keen interest in Ham Radio; he conducts FSS
exams for those hoping to attain a Ham Radio license; in addition, he
enjoys traveling and showing his vintage vehicles at local car shows;
and
WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman 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, After retiring from SUNY Delhi in 2000, John Hampel began
helping the elderly prepare their tax returns; in this capacity, he held
the positions of Counselor, Instructor and Coordinator for the Delaware
County AARP Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program; and
WHEREAS, A committed volunteer for over two decades, John Hampel has
devoted his life to the Downsville community; currently, he devotes his
time and energies to assisting the Colchester Community Food Bank,
Colchester Historical Society, and Delaware County Historical Society;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, John Hampel holds several leadership positions
at various organizations, including President of Colchester Senior Citi-
zens, Vice President of the Delaware County Senior Council, and both
Trustee and Treasurer of the Colchester Community United Methodist
Church; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, John Hampel 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 John Hampel has displayed throughout
his life; and
WHEREAS, John Hampel, 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 John Hampel upon the occasion of being selected as the Delaware
County 2015 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 John Hampel.