Senate Resolution No. 42

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Eleanor Garland upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime
Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior
Issues Forum on October 10, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Eleanor Garland upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior Issues
Forum to be celebrated at its 19th Annual Senior Lifetime Achievement
Award Ceremony on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at Congregation Beth
Emeth in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Capital District Senior Issues Forum is a voluntary
initiative among faith communities, organizations and individuals which
provides support for seniors in the Capital District through education
and dialogue; and

WHEREAS, Since 1998, this vital organization has focused on senior
housing issues by bringing together caregivers, faith organizations,
government officials, housing facilities, administrators and seniors
themselves; and

WHEREAS, For the past 19 years, the Capital District Senior Issues
Forum has honored hundreds of senior citizens over the age of 85 for
their lifetime achievements; and

WHEREAS, Eleanor Garland is being recognized as an extraordinary
senior for her tireless efforts in making a difference in the lives of
others and for giving selflessly in community service; and

WHEREAS, Eleanor "Tootsie" Garland was born to John and Alease Brown
on January 12, 1927, in Albany, where she graduated from Phillip
Schuyler High School; at the age of 19, she married the late Hoover
Garland and, together, they raised five children, Dwight, Lamont, Keith,
Gina and Tracy; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her children, Eleanor Garland is the loving
grandmother of eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; she is
also very close to her two nieces, three godchildren, and several close
friends; and

WHEREAS, A kind and caring woman, Eleanor Garland has always taken
care of her family; after her husband suffered a debilitating stroke,
she helped get him dressed, took him to doctor appointments, church
services, outings and sometimes to the emergency room when he was not

feeling well; a devoted wife, she never wavered in the care she provided
to him; and

WHEREAS, For many years, Eleanor Garland was employed by Montgomery
Ward and the State Bank; she was a faithful member of First Israel AME
Church where she worked in youth ministry; later, she operated a small
community center the church opened on Hudson Avenue; today, many people
are very thankful and grateful for the time she spent with them talking,
listening and encouraging them; and

WHEREAS, Today, at the age of 91, Eleanor Garland continues to serve
her community as a Missionary in her church; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Eleanor Garland has displayed
throughout her life; she is an involved, caring person, who is always
willing and able to lend a helping hand, a listening ear and a kind
word; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Eleanor Garland upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior
Issues Forum on October 10, 2018; and be it further

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