Senate Resolution No. 5306

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Ken and Marggie Skinner upon the occasion
of their designation as recipients 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
Ken and Marggie Skinner upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients 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, Ken and Marggie Skinner have continually demonstrated
extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent leadership
in their unwavering service to their community and, consequently, have
been selected for this most prestigious honor; and

WHEREAS, Ken and Marggie Skinner grew up in New Haven, Connecticut;
in 1966, the couple moved to Albany, New York, after Ken was deployed to
Vietnam during his final year of serving in the United States military;
upon his discharge, the Skinners stayed in Albany where they raised
their family and quickly became a vital part of their community; and

WHEREAS, An avid runner, Ken Skinner has introduced numerous Capital
Region elementary school students to the joys of running and being
physically fit through the Just Run youth program; he has also been a
member of the Hudson-Mohawk Road Runners Club and the USA Track and
Field Adirondack Association; and

WHEREAS, For the last 14 years, Ken Skinner has enjoyed reading
books to the students of various Albany City School District elementary
and charter schools, and serving as a volunteer with both Living
Resources and the Trinity Alliance; and

WHEREAS, Marggie Skinner has graciously donated her time and energy
as a prison ministry volunteer for Residents Encounter Christ (REC), and
is a member of the League of Women Voters; and

WHEREAS, This compassionate woman also works at the City Mission
Free Clinic and likes to help feed the hungry through Food Pantries for
the Capital District; and

WHEREAS, Ken and Marggie Skinner embody the principles and ideals
that make us proud to be Americans and have been active volunteers for
almost four decades; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Ken and Marggie Skinner have
displayed throughout their lives; and

WHEREAS, With them throughout have been their three children, and
four grandchildren, all of whom have shown them love and support and
rejoice in their 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 Ken and Marggie Skinner upon the occasion of their designation as
recipients 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 Ken and Marggie Skinner.