Senate Resolution No. 271

BY: Senator JACOBS

HONORING Melissa Foster upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2016 Andrus Award
for Community Service by the American Association of
Retired Persons

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who are devoted to the welfare of their community and its
citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Melissa Foster upon the occasion of her designation as the 2016 Andrus
Award for Community Service by the American Association of Retired
Persons, celebrated at a ceremony held on Thursday, November 10, 2016;
and

WHEREAS, The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a
nonprofit, nonpartisan, social welfare organization; its membership of
nearly 38 million helps people turn their goals and dreams into real
possibilities in addition to strengthening communities and changing the
way America defines aging; and

WHEREAS, The Andrus Award, named after the AARP founder Ethel Percy
Andrus, recognizes individuals who are sharing their experience, talents
and skills to enrich the lives of others; and

WHEREAS, Melissa Foster was selected for this auspicious award for
her extraordinary service to the town of Kenmore; and

WHEREAS, In 2008, she founded the Kenmore Village Improvement
Society, whose mission is to improve the quality of village life through
consistent communication, engaging education and thoughtful action; and

WHEREAS, Initially including 150 community members, the Kenmore
Village Improvement Society has grown to include more than 1,000 members
in the last 8 years; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Kenmore, Melissa Foster has transformed a
small beautiful town into an even more vibrant community for its
residents, businesses and visitors; she has organized different
activities, such as a free children's concert series, festivals,
village-wide cleanup days and garden makeovers; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Melissa Foster has stood constantly
in dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Melissa Foster has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Melissa Foster upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the 2016 Andrus Award for Community Service by the American
Association of Retired Persons; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Melissa Foster.