LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Patricia Binzer upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the Third Age Achievement Award in
Health and Human Services by Senior Services of Albany

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 Patricia
Binzer upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Third
Age Achievement Award in Health and Human Services by Senior Services of
Albany, to be celebrated at its 20th Annual Awards Ceremony on Friday,
May 6, 2016, at Wolferts Roost Country Club, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Senior Services of Albany was founded in 1952, to serve the
needs of the elderly and their caregivers in the greater Albany area;
since its inception, the agency has focused its mission on enhancing
quality of life and fostering independence for seniors in the Capital
Region; and
WHEREAS, The Third Age Achievement Awards are designed to pay tribute
to members of the Capital Region who have made significant contributions
to our communities in their "third age"; the award seeks to dispel the
myth that getting older always means slowing down and highlights the
activities, achievements and creativity of individuals over the age of
60; and
WHEREAS, The 60-plus stage of life can be a time full of opportunities
to enrich our communities, pursue dreams, and provide leadership; the
Third Age Achievement Awards honor individuals who have excelled in all
of these endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Active in the Capital District community, Patricia Binzer has
taught elementary school and reading, served as a language arts consult-
ant, served as a director of reading, language arts and gifted educa-
tion, and also taught as an adjunct at both the College of St. Rose and
at Skidmore College; and
WHEREAS, Patricia Binzer received a Bachelor of Science degree from
SUNY New Paltz and an Master of Science and Education from SUNY Albany;
and
WHEREAS, In 1998, Patricia Binzer co-founded the Capital District
Senior Issues Forum, a grassroots, voluntary initiative aimed at identi-
fying issues and unmet needs of the senior community and educating the
public about these issues and needs; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to giving back to
her community, Patricia Binzer, along with her husband, support several
educational and human services organizations, including the University
at Albany School of Social Welfare Internships in Aging Program and the
SEED program which provides education and loans to future entrepreneurs;
and
WHEREAS, An avid lover of music and the arts, Patricia Binzer has been
a longtime supporter of the Albany Institute of History and Art, Capital
Repertory Theatre, and MacHaydn Theatre, among others; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband of nearly 60 years,
Henry, and their daughter, Jayne, both of whom feel privileged to be a
part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Patricia Binzer 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 Patricia Binzer upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Third Age Achievement Award in Health and Human Services by
Senior Services of Albany; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Patricia Binzer.