Senate Resolution No. 2473

BY: Senator O'MARA

HONORING Dr. Mike Wald upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the New York
State Office for the Aging on May 9, 2017

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 Dr. Mike
Wald upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the
New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Older New Yorkers Day
Celebration on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, 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, Dr. Mike Wald proudly served his country as a member of the
United States Army; after his discharge, he served as a pediatric
physician for many years until his retirement; and

WHEREAS, In 1975, Dr. Mike Wald and his wife moved to Elmira, New
York, where they raised their five children; for 10 years, they were
foster parents, caring for 30 children in their home; and

WHEREAS, This esteemed man 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, Dr. Mike Wald truly believes in giving back to his
community; for numerous years, he has donated blood, and has served as
both an elder and Stephen minister at his church; and

WHEREAS, For the past 15 years, Dr. Mike Wald has been a volunteer
mediator with the Community Dispute Resolution Center; in this capacity,
he has mediated various disputes involving parenting issues,
landlord/tenant issues, small claims court, family disputes, neighbor to
neighbor disputes, and community conflict; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Dr. Mike Wald has graciously donated
500 hours of his time, mediating 170 conflicts; through his tireless
efforts, the lives of more than 340 people in his community have been
changed for the better; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Dr. Mike Wald has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, When he is not helping someone find a peaceful resolution
to a problem, Dr. Mike Wald enjoys singing in several local choruses,
and likes to listen to audio books, NPR radio, and his vast collection
of music; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, their five
children, and nine grandchildren, all of whom have shown him love and
support and rejoice in his many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Dr. Mike Wald has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Mike Wald, 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 Dr. Mike Wald upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 9, 2017;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Mike Wald.