Senate Resolution No. 5271

BY: Senator O'MARA

HONORING Eleanor Parker upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the 2018 Older New
Yorker of the Year Award

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, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend the
senior citizens of the Empire State who, as they reach the fullness of
years, continue to be active and vital participants in the life of their
community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Eleanor Parker upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
2018 Older New Yorker of the Year Award, to be celebrated on Tuesday,
May 22, 2018; and

WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, she has continually
demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent
leadership in her unwavering service to her community and, consequently,
has been selected for this most prestigious honor; and

WHEREAS, Eleanor Parker learned about hard work growing up on the
farm of her adoptive family; she attributes her choice of a career in
nursing and teaching, as well as her commitment to volunteerism, to the
fact that as a child, when she needed help, people were there for her;
and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Eleanor Parker has volunteered with countless local
organizations, including Pro Action of Steuben and Yates, Inc., Yates
Office for the Aging Advisory Council and Hope Center, as well as the
Living Well, an organization dedicated to helping people in need with
emergency assistance in Yates County, New York; and

WHEREAS, Eleanor Parker is Past President and a current member of
the Woman's Auxiliary of the Benton Volunteer Fire Department; she is
also a Town of Benton Historian and Health Officer, and a member of the
Order of the Eastern Star, Seneca Lake Lodge 321; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Eleanor Parker gives of her time
and energies to the Keuka Food Pantry, Yates County Election Board, and
as Sunshine Chairman of the Yates County Fire Auxiliary; she also serves
the Back Pack Program at the First Baptist Church of Penn Yan; and

WHEREAS, In addition, this extraordinary woman is a Founding Fathers
Member of the Windmill Farm and Craft Market, one of Yates County's most
popular tourist destinations; and

WHEREAS, Eleanor Parker embodies the principles and ideals that make
us proud to be Americans and has been an active volunteer for more than
five decades; and

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

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her two children, who have
both shown her love and support and rejoice in her many achievements;
and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence 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
honor Eleanor Parker upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the 2018 Older New Yorker of the Year Award; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Eleanor Parker.