Senate Resolution No. 3974

BY: Senator MONTGOMERY

COMMENDING Rosemary Bland upon the occasion of her
retirement after 27 years of distinguished service
to the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the 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
commend Rosemary Bland upon the occasion of her retirement after 27
years of distinguished service to the Spanish Speaking Elderly
Council-RAICES; on February 23, 2018, she will officially retire from
this position; and

WHEREAS, In 1989, Rosemary Bland began her long and distinguished
career working with senior citizens as a community liaison with the
Brooklyn Wide Interagency Council; in this capacity, she traveled
throughout Brooklyn meeting with interagency councils; participated in
legislative meetings at the New York State Capitol in Albany, New York;
and visited numerous senior centers, where she informed the residents
about vital legislation, new entitlements and benefits; and

WHEREAS, Always eager to learn, Rosemary Bland took a gerontology
class at New York Technical College, and subsequently, became acquainted
with her Professor, Edwin Santiago Mendez, who was also the CEO of the
Spanish Speaking Elderly Council; and

WHEREAS, Rosemary Bland was then hired by Edwin Santiago Mendez to
manage the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council at the Red Hook Senior
Center; and

WHEREAS, From 1991-2004, Rosemary Bland devoted her life to serving
the patrons of the Red Hook Senior Center; she thoroughly appreciated
her work and loved to create fun, healthy activities and programs for
the seniors; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Rosemary Bland accomplished many
goals by working with various politicians on a federal, state and city
level, and numerous organizations such as the New York City Housing
Authority, Red Hook East and West Tenant Associations, Red Hook Library,
Good Shepherd, AmeriCorps, Justice Center, New York Parks Department,
Red Hook Grandparent Support Group, and Fairway Market, as well as IKEA;
and

WHEREAS, After graduating from the Hunter School of Social Work in
2004, Rosemary Bland assumed a leadership position at the Spanish
Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES Times Plaza Senior Center in downtown
Brooklyn; and

WHEREAS, For the last 14 years, Rosemary Bland managed the Social
Adult Program which serves early dementia seniors; she also supervised
the senior companion workers, who served as caregivers for the Program;
and

WHEREAS, In addition, Rosemary Bland diligently worked with the New
York City Department for the Aging to incorporate a Senior Title V
Worker Training Program in order to provide even more services to
seniors; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her esteemed career, Rosemary Bland truly
enjoyed getting to know each and every person who walked through her
door, and considered many of them to be her extended family; she
relished spending time with her friends, and loved to experience new
adventures with them; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Rosemary Bland upon the occasion of her retirement after 27
years of distinguished service to the Spanish Speaking Elderly
Council-RAICES and to wish her continued success in all her future
endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rosemary Bland.