LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Bessie Kolodziejski upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for
the Aging on May 10, 2016

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 Bessie Kolod-
ziejski upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by
the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Senior Citizens
Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, 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, For numerous years, Bessie Kolodziejski was employed at the
Monroe-Woodbury School District, and also worked at her husband's
construction company; 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; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to the community,
Bessie Kolodziejski has been a vital member of the Orange County Office
for the Aging's Senior Games Committee for the last 30 years, and has
worked at the Cornwall Senior Dining Program for over three decades; in
addition, she has been a volunteer at the Cornwall Hospital for 17
years, and for the past 15 years, she has helped at the Town of Cornwall
Recreation Department; and
WHEREAS, Now at the age of 95, Bessie Kolodziejski has been a fixture
at the Cornwall Senior Dining site for the last 33 years; through the
years, she has assisted in numerous capacities, such as packing
desserts, wrapping breads, setting the tables for lunch, preparing food
for homebound clients, and serving meals to seniors; today, she contin-
ues to assist by taking attendance and making the diners feel welcome;
and
WHEREAS, Known for her caring manner and contagious laughter, Bessie
Kolodziejski is an active participant of the Golden Age Club at Munger
Cottage in Cornwall; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Bessie Kolodziejski has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been three children, seven grand-
children, and her four great-grandchildren, as well as her late husband,
Johnny, all 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 Bessie Kolodziejski has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, Bessie Kolodziejski, a very active and industrious woman, has
inspired and enriched the lives of those she serves through her 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 Bessie Kolodziejski upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May
10, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Bessie Kolodziejski.