LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Reverend Deacon Mavourneen Hubbard upon
the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the Orange
County Human Rights Commission on May 28, 2015

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Reverend
Deacon Mavourneen Hubbard upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by the Orange County Human Rights Commission, to be
celebrated at its 20th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 28, 2015,
at The Fountains of Wallkill, Middletown, New York; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed woman has been called upon to contribute her
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of herself unstintingly; she is being honored by the Orange
County Human Rights Commission in recognition of her steadfast dedi-
cation to her community and her work to build better relationships among
diverse people, encouraging them to participate in community life on an
equal basis; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Deacon Mavourneen Hubbard, affectionately known as
Vonnie, graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Food and Nutrition and Dietetics; and
WHEREAS, An administrator in public education, Reverend Deacon Mavour-
neen Hubbard worked as the Director of Child Nutrient Programs for more
than 32 years until she retired in 2008; she continues to work part-time
in child nutrition as school lunch manager for the Orange Ulster Board
of Cooperative Education Director; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Reverend Deacon Mavourneen Hubbard formed her
own school food service consulting firm and has been engaged by school
districts across the Hudson Valley; and
WHEREAS, Active within the community, Reverend Deacon Mavourneen
Hubbard serves as a steadfast volunteer for Loaves and Fishes of
Newburgh where she has acted as chairperson and Vice chair; during her
term, she was instrumental in securing a grant to study food insecurity
in the City of Newburgh; and
WHEREAS, In 2010, Reverend Deacon Mavourneen Hubbard, along with three
other local religious leaders, formed Abrahams Table, a not-for-profit
organization specifically founded to provide lunches for children while
school is closed for the summer; since its founding in 2011, Abrahams
Table has served more than 115,000 meals to the children of Newburgh at
15 sites across the city; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, in 2013 when Shepherds Kitchen, the weekend soup
kitchen in Newburgh was in danger of closing, Reverend Deacon Mavourneen
Hubbard and a group of concerned community members came together to form
a new management team; Shepherds Kitchen is still open and serving over
100 meals each weekend day; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Deacon Mavourneen Hubbard continues to advance human
rights in Orange County, eliminating discrimination through her leader-
ship and unwavering commitment to the community; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Reverend Deacon Mavourneen Hubbard
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 Reverend Deacon Mavourneen Hubbard
has displayed throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Reverend Deacon Mavourneen Hubbard upon the occasion of her desig-
nation for special recognition by the Orange County Human Rights Commis-
sion on May 28, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Deacon Mavourneen Hubbard.