LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Edward J. McDowell upon the occasion of
his selection as the Putnam 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 Edward J.
McDowell upon the occasion of his selection as the Putnam County 2015
Senior Citizen of the Year by the New York State Office for the Aging at
its Annual Senior Citizen's 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, A resident of Putnam County for 42 years, Edward J. McDowell,
the son of Thomas and Ellen McDowell, was raised in Yonkers, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Edward J. McDowell proudly served his country as a member of
the United States Army; he retired from Verizon after 31 years of
distinguished service; 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, A committed volunteer for over four decades, Edward J.
McDowell's community service includes Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Green
Chimney's Children's Services, Friends of the Great Swamp, and the
Putnam Humane Society; and
WHEREAS, Edward J. McDowell participates regularly in local veteran's
organizations such as the Putnam County Emerald Association Feis and the
Annual Dinner Dance; and
WHEREAS, For the last three years, Edward J. McDowell mentored 10
young men in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout; in addition, he
completed extensive restoration work for several historic landmark
buildings such as the Old Southeast Church and the Doansburg School-
house; and
WHEREAS, Edward J. McDowell serves as a member of numerous community
organizations, including the Putnam County Land Trust, Starr Ridge Manor
Civic Association, the Putnam County Emerald Association, Landmarks
Preservation of Southeast, Peach Lake Environmental Committee, and the
St. Patrick's Day Committee, where he holds the position of Parade Coor-
dinator; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Edward J. McDowell 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 Edward J. McDowell has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 44 years, Chris-
tine, and their three daughters, Meridith, Kimberly, and Kristin, as

well as two grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Edward J. McDowell, a very active and industrious man, has
inspired and enriched the lives of those he serves through his volun-
teerism, 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 Edward J. McDowell upon the occasion of being selected as the
Putnam 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 Edward J. McDowell.