Assembly Resolution No. 231

BY: M. of A. Palmesano

HONORING Susan Arthur upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the New York
State Office for the Aging on May 21, 2019

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Susan Arthur
upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the New
York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Older New Yorker's Day
Celebration on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at the Hart Theatre Lounge in The
Egg, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Each May, the New York State Office for the Aging pauses to
acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by older citizens during
National Older Americans Month; and

WHEREAS, Members of older generations have helped build and shape
our Nation to be the greatest in the world; they have defended our
freedoms and values to ensure that those who come after them may have
better lives; nowhere in the Nation is the legacy of their efforts more
visible and more a part of the lives of all citizens than here in the
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Raised in Marcellus, New York, Susan Arthur earned a
teaching degree in Physical Education and Biology from SUNY Brockport;
she went on to receive her master's degree in the same fields of study
from SUNY Cortland; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of her studies, Susan Arthur was
offered a position at the Canisteo School District and made the move to
Steuben County to begin a 33-year career teaching Physical Education,
Life Science and Biology; and

WHEREAS, Well-known throughout the county as "Coach" to many soccer,
basketball, softball and baseball team members, Susan Arthur spent 36
years coaching youth sports; she also served as the President of the
Bath Little League, and was appointed as the first Woman Athletic
Director in New York State; and

WHEREAS, After her retirement from teaching in 2002, Susan Arthur
dedicated herself to her other passion of giving back to the community;
she has volunteered at Ira Davenport Hospital for the past 12 years,
transporting patients by wheelchair, running errands throughout the
building, and carrying medical samples to the lab for processing; and

WHEREAS, Susan Arthur has also given tirelessly of her time and
energies for the past 17 years to the Finger Lakes SPCA, where she
spends an average of 40-50 hours a week caring for at-risk animals; her
volunteer roles include Facilities Manager, Outreach Volunteer
Coordinator, Equine Supply Coordinator and Fundraising Facilitator; and


WHEREAS, In addition, she is a member of the Emergency Rescue Team,
taking care of logistics and participating in the rescue of animals from
horrible conditions; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband of 44 years,
James, and their two sons, as well as two grandchildren, who have all
shown her love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and

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

WHEREAS, Susan Arthur, a very active and industrious woman, has
inspired and enriched the lives of those she serves through her
volunteerism, generously sharing the wisdom gained over years of
experiencing life to its fullest; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Susan Arthur upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 21, 2019;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Susan Arthur.