Senate Resolution No. 5302

BY: Senator LARKIN

HONORING William Kaplan upon the occasion of his
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
William Kaplan upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
2018 Older New Yorker of the Year Award, to be celebrated on Tuesday,
May 22, 2018, in the Hart Theatre Lounge at the Egg in Albany, New York;
and

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

WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Newburgh, New York, William Kaplan
proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during
World War II; upon the completion of his service, he returned to his
hometown where he and his late wife, Elaine, raised their family; and

WHEREAS, During this time, William Kaplan established Regal Bag
Corporation, and subsequently, has employed thousands of people from
Orange County; he then co-founded AC Moore, which grew from one store to
130; and

WHEREAS, Through the Kaplan Foundation, William Kaplan has donated
significant funds for many worthy medical organizations including St.
Luke's Dialysis Center, The Elaine Kaplan Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,
Inspire Cerebral Palsy Center and Hospice of Orange and Sullivan
Counties; and

WHEREAS, William Kaplan has always believed in the value of a good
education, and has supported scholarships and projects at Mount Saint
Mary College, including the Kaplan Recreation Center, the Mathematics,
Science and Technology Center, and the Dominican Center; and

WHEREAS, William Kaplan has also corroborated with SUNY Orange to
fund several scholarships and various programs, and established the
Newburgh Branch Campus; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to the young people of Newburgh, William Kaplan
was instrumental in turning the Newburgh Armory Unity Center into an

educational and social center for the city; he created the basketball
court, indoor soccer field and classrooms, as well as an office where
bi-lingual staff are available to provide information and assistance to
people; and

WHEREAS, William Kaplan embodies the principles and ideals that make
us proud to be Americans and has been an active volunteer for many
years; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his four daughters, all of
whom have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which William Kaplan has displayed
throughout his life; 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 William Kaplan upon the occasion of his 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 William Kaplan.