Senate Resolution No. 4190

BY: Senator O'MARA

COMMENDING Phyllis Rathbun upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition by the New
York State Office for the Aging on May 22, 2018

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 commend Phyllis
Rathbun upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by
the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Older New Yorkers
Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, 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, After graduating from Wayland High School, Phyllis Rathbun
earned her teaching degree from SUNY Geneseo; she then began her
distinguished 35-year career as an elementary teacher at Naples Central
School; and

WHEREAS, In 1957, Phyllis met her husband, Stan Rathbun, and
together, they established a small strawberry farm in 1976; 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, As a college student, Phyllis Rathbun founded the Willing
Workers 4-H Club of North Cohocton in 1953; today, she continues to
teach the Willing Workers about important life skills such as cooking,
sewing and public speaking, as well as self-sufficiency, courage,
tenacity and the benefits of serving others; and

WHEREAS, Through Phyllis Rathbun's steadfast efforts, many of the
Willing Workers have been selected for leadership trainings or have
achieved champion status on their projects; for her unremitting
commitment to the children of her community, she was the recipient of
the NYS Salute to Excellence Lifetime Volunteer Award by New York State
4-H; and

WHEREAS, Phyllis Rathbun truly believes in the value of
volunteering, and encourages everyone to pitch in without expectation of
payment or recognition; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her work with 4-H, Phyllis Rathbun has
served in various capacities at numerous worthy organizations including
the North Cohocton United Methodist Church, EJ Cottrell Memorial
Library, and Atlanta-North Cohocton Community Development; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Phyllis Rathbun has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her husband of 61 years, Stan,
who has shown her love and support and rejoices in her many
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Phyllis Rathbun has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, Phyllis Rathbun, a very active and industrious woman, has
inspired and enriched the lives of those she serves through her
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
commend Phyllis Rathbun upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 22, 2018;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Phyllis Rathbun.