Senate Resolution No. 5274

BY: Senator O'MARA

HONORING Mary Pat Dolan 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
Mary Pat Dolan 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, Raised in Chenango County, New York, Mary Pat Dolan
attended college in Syracuse before earning a graduate degree in Social
Work; and

WHEREAS, Mary Pat Dolan and her daughter moved to Ithaca in 1984,
after accepting a position at the Department of Social Services where
she met her husband David in 1989, and served as Commissioner for 20
years; and

WHEREAS, For decades, Mary Pat Dolan has dedicated her considerable
talents to serving the Tompkins County community; she played an integral
role in the Kitchen Theatre getting a new home, helping the Food Bank of
the Southern Tier continue to meet the gaps for thousands of food
insecure families in its six county area, and in leading the school
board at George Junior Republic which serves wonderful, extremely
challenged kids looking for a better life; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Mary Pat Dolan has volunteered at Catholic Charities, the
Food Bank of the Southern Tier, Kendal at Ithaca, Cayuga Medical Center,
Goodhope Youth Home, William George Agency and the George Junior
Republic Union Free School District; and

WHEREAS, Mary Pat Dolan embodies the principles and ideals that make
us proud to be Americans and has been an active volunteer for 15 years;
and

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

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her two grandchildren, 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 Mary Pat Dolan 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 Mary Pat Dolan.