J3944

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending David A. Ford, Sr. upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition for his worthy contributions
to the Westchester Community

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 individ-
uals 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 commend
David A. Ford, Sr. upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition for his worthy contributions to the Westchester Community;
and
WHEREAS, David A. Ford, Sr. proudly served his country as a member of
the United States military during World War II; and
WHEREAS, For over three decades, David A. Ford, Sr. served as the
Commissioner of the Mount Vernon Water Department until his retirement
in January of 2010; under his luminous leadership, the Board of Water
Supply maintained an enduring tradition of excellence; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to his community, David A. Ford, Sr. was a vital
member of the Mount Vernon Young Men's Christian Association, and both
the Citizens and Veterans Association, as well as many other exemplary
organizations; in addition, he held the position of President of the
Lions Club of Mount Vernon; and
WHEREAS, For over 30 years, David A. Ford, Sr. served as Board Chair-
man of the Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center; in his tenure, he
supported the growth of the health center from a small program in trail-
er units with 19 employees to one of the largest health care centers in
the region; and
WHEREAS, David A. Ford, Sr. is the recipient of numerous awards and
accolades for his exemplary work and passion including the Torch of
Liberty Award by the Anti-Defamation League, the Ernest G. Lindsay
Award, the Political Action Award from the Mount Vernon National Associ-
ation for the Advancement of Colored People, the Young Men's Christian
Association Citizen of the Year Award and is listed in Who's Who in
Government Services; and
WHEREAS, Along with his late wife of over 55 years, the former Eula
Daisy Gadson, with him throughout are his three devoted sons, David,
Jr., Michael, and Garey; his two beloved daughters, Renee, and Karen;
and five treasured grandchildren Rachel, Shaarod, Nardara, Jerel and
David Christopher; as well as three beautiful great-grandchildren,
Amira, Sydney and Camden, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
his life and rejoice in his accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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
commend David A. Ford, Sr. upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition for his worthy contributions to the Westchester
Community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to David A. Ford, Sr.

J3943

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III upon
the occasion of being named the January 2016 Erie County Citizen of the
Month by the Erie County Legislature on January 21, 2016

WHEREAS, The character and richness of religious and community life in
this noble Empire State is nourished and fulfilled through the faithful
concern and selfless devotion of those who would commit their energies
and purpose to the ministry of others; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to bring full recog-
nition and just tribute to those individuals who distinguish themselves
and the ministry through their unremitting commitment and preeminence of
service; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Reverend Dr.
James A. Lewis III upon the occasion of being named January 2016 Erie
County Citizen of the Month by the Erie County Legislature, celebrated
at a Ceremony on Thursday, January 21, 2016, at the Erie County Hall,
Buffalo, New York; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III earned his Doctorate in
Philosophy from the University of San Moritz in London, United Kingdom;
in 1988, he was proudly ordained as a Bishop; and
WHEREAS, A dynamic leader, Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III is dedi-
cated to both his Church and community; he remains steadfast in his
efforts to help revitalize the city of Buffalo, reach out to his neigh-
bors, and restore hope to all people; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III has been called upon to
contribute his time and talents to countless civic and charitable
endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Since 1990, Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III has held the
esteemed position of Director of Pastoral Care for the Erie County
Medical Center; in addition, he serves as the Overseer of Miracle
Missions Full Gospel Church of Buffalo, New York; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man also holds the title of Certified Chief
Master Chaplin for the Buffalo Police Department, as well as Spiritual
Director for Upstate New York Transplant Services; he also is both the
creator and Executive Director of the Vaughn House Shelter for Men, and
a founding member of G.R.O.U.P. Ministries, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III is the Chair of
both the City of Buffalo Zoning Board of Appeals and the Black Leader-
ship Commission on AIDS; he also serves on the Boards of Directors for
the Legal Aid Society, Buffalo Philharmonic, United Way of Western NY,
Western New York Broadcasting Association, and the New Life Residential
Center; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III has
displayed throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when a person
of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our attention it is
appropriate to publicly and jubilantly proclaim and commend that indi-
vidual for the edification of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III upon the occasion of being named
Erie County Citizen of the Month; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Dr. James A. Lewis III.

J3942

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 140th Anniversary of Saint
John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lindenhurst, New York, to be cele-
brated on February 28, 2016

WHEREAS, Religious institutions, and the many spiritual, social and
educational benefits they confer, play a vital role in the development
of the moral fabric of a responsible citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is the tradition of this State and this Nation to pay
tribute to those institutions and individuals who have contributed to
the ethical and spiritual values of their communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes pleasure in commemorating the
140th Anniversary of Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Linden-
hurst, New York, to be celebrated with a worship service led by Bishop
Robert Rimbo of the Metropolitan New York Synod, ELCR, followed by a
reception on Sunday, February 28, 2016; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion marks the 140th Year of Saint John's
Evangelical Lutheran Church, with the Reverend Thomas E. Taylor leading
families in worship at this vital religious institution today; and
WHEREAS, On February 3, 1871, ground was broken on West John Street,
formerly Falersben Avenue, in Lindenhurst, New York, for construction of
the original church structure; and
WHEREAS, The beginning of the present Lutheran congregation occurred
when connections were severed with the Reformed Consistory; the congre-
gation formally incorporated itself on May 20, 1876, under the title,
"Evangelische Lutherische St. Johannis Gemeinde"; and
WHEREAS, By 1924, the old fire house was purchased and the building on
West John Street was used as a Sunday School and a Parish hall; it was
destroyed by fire in 1926, and Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church
was erected; and
WHEREAS, After nearly 30 years, a new church was needed to accommodate
the growing congregation, and in 1953 and 1954, plots were purchased for
the new church building on East John Street, which was dedicated in
1960; the new parsonage and the church tower were built within the next
year and a half and on December 2, 1973, the last part of the church
complex, the Educational Wing, was dedicated; and
WHEREAS, At present, Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran Church stands
humbly, prayerfully, meditatively, and joyfully on the threshold of
tomorrow, prepared to meet the challenges of the coming decades while
retaining that spiritual resolve which characterizes its past; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to take note of
enduring religious institutions and to bring such institutions to the
attention of the people of this Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 140th Anniversary of Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran
Church to be observed on Sunday, February 28, 2016, fully confident that
this commemoration reflects the belief in those values which enhance the
dignity and purpose of life; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Reverend Thomas E. Taylor, Saint John's Evangelical Lutheran
Church, Lindenhurst, New York.

J3941

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Honig upon
the occasion of celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary

WHEREAS, Leonard and Saundra Honig of Massapequa, New York, were united
in marriage on November 20, 1955; the couple recently celebrated this
significant and happy milestone with family and friends at a restaurant
in Pelham, New York; and
WHEREAS, They are the proud parents of three children, and the loving
grandparents of three grandsons; and
WHEREAS, Leonard and Saundra Honig are and always have been a tower of
strength, support, understanding and limitless love for their family;
and
WHEREAS, Their love, devotion, caring, sensitivity and responsiveness
to their family, friends and all who know them are their hallmark and
tradition; and
WHEREAS, This couple continues to live their lives with great dignity
and genuine grace, always demonstrating a deep and continuing concern
for human values and ideals, and in so doing, they have inspired others
to do the same; and
WHEREAS, This meaningful occasion is the result of the love, hard work
and spirit this couple has invested in their marriage; and
WHEREAS, Not unlike many young couples in the 1950s, Leonard and Saun-
dra Honig met at Grossinger's Resort in the Catskill Mountains; Leonard
Honig is a Korean War Veteran and a retired Professor from Saint Francis
College in Brooklyn Heights, New York; and
WHEREAS, Saundra Honig was a stay-at-home Mom until the 1970s, when
she chose to enter the workforce; she retired as the Director of Admis-
sions of the American Academy McAllister Institute in Manhattan, New
York; and
WHEREAS, These same values they have passed to their loved ones,
producing a family that is close-knit and supportive of its individual
members, public-minded in its relations to the community and committed
to the ideals of citizenship upon which this Nation was founded; and
WHEREAS, Leonard and Saundra Honig have touched the lives of their
family and many friends through the shining example of their marriage,
which is a testament to the devotion and admiration which they possess
for one another; and
WHEREAS, The longevity of this enduring marriage truly marks a mile-
stone in life's journey, an event of personal triumph and joy; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an occa-
sion of such importance is brought to our attention, the same should be
memorialized by us for the edification and emulation of others; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Leonard and Saundra Honig upon the occasion of
celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mr. and Mrs. Leonard and Saundra Honig.

J3940

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lantelme upon
the occasion of celebrating their 70th Wedding Anniversary

WHEREAS, Peter and Anne Lantelme of Massapequa Park, New York, were
united in marriage on July 17, 1945, at Saint Teresa of Avila Roman
Catholic Church in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, They are the proud parents of five children, two of whom are
deceased; the loving grandparents of three grandchildren, as well as two
great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Peter and Anne Lantelme are and always have been a tower of
strength, support, understanding and limitless love for their family;
and
WHEREAS, Their love, devotion, caring, sensitivity and responsiveness
to their family, friends and all who know them are their hallmark and
tradition; and
WHEREAS, This couple continues to live their lives with great dignity
and genuine grace, always demonstrating a deep and continuing concern
for human values and ideals, and in so doing, they have inspired others
to do the same; and
WHEREAS, This meaningful occasion is the result of the love, hard work
and spirit this couple has invested in their marriage; and
WHEREAS, Peter and Anne Lantelme, formerly of Massapequa, New York,
both served as members of the United States Navy during World War II;
Peter was a Chief Radio Man on the U.S.S. Brooklyn, and Anne was
stationed with the WAVES in Washington, D.C.; and
WHEREAS, These same values they have passed to their loved ones,
producing a family that is close-knit and supportive of its individual
members, public-minded in its relations to the community and committed
to the ideals of citizenship upon which this Nation was founded; and
WHEREAS, Peter and Anne Lantelme have touched the lives of their fami-
ly and many friends through the shining example of their marriage, which
is a testament to the devotion and admiration which they possess for one
another; and
WHEREAS, The longevity of this enduring marriage truly marks a mile-
stone in life's journey, an event of personal triumph and joy; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an occa-
sion of such importance is brought to our attention, the same should be
memorialized by us for the edification and emulation of others; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lantelme upon the occasion of celebrat-
ing their 70th Wedding Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lantelme.

J3939

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Yonk-
ers Police Benevolent Association on March 4, 2016

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 organiza-
tions and 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 commem-
orate the 100th Anniversary of the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association
to be celebrated at its Annual Installation of Officers and Awards
Dinner on Friday, March 4, 2016, at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel,
Tarrytown, New York; and
WHEREAS, For 100 years, the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association
(PBA) has promoted the welfare of its members and aided them in need for
their mutual benefit and protection; this vital organization has contin-
ually strived to be the protector of those who protect; and
WHEREAS, In 1871, when the Yonkers Police Department was formally
organized, there was an established set of relatively strict rules and
regulations which members were required to adhere to; any failure to
comply with these rules was often met with harsh punishment and penal-
ties being placed against the offending police officer; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the working schedules for the police officer in
those early days were very difficult on family life, allowing very
little time off; for these and many other reasons, including the natural
tendency to join together with others of mutual interest, it was decided
to form an organization which could benefit its members; and
WHEREAS, The Yonkers Police Association (YPA) was thereby formed to
combat unfair treatment of the men and women on the Yonkers Police
Department; on September 8, 1916, A. S. Tompkins, Justice of the Supreme
Court, Westchester County, New York, officially approved and signed the
organization's certificate of incorporation; and
WHEREAS, Patrolman John F. Dahill was elected as the YPA's first Pres-
ident; the following year, on February 15, 1917, this vital association
held its First Annual Entertainment and Dinner Dance Reception at
Philipsburg Hall on Hudson Street; and
WHEREAS, The YPA was managed by five directors, consisting of one
member from Police Headquarters, and one member from each precinct in
the City of Yonkers; the original directors were Police Officers George
A. Ford, William A. Kruppenbacher, Michael J. Gilmartin, and Abraham
Beck, as well as David J. Davis; and
WHEREAS, Besides supporting its members, the Yonkers PBA has supported
many community organizations throughout its 100 year history including
the American Heart Association of America, the Asthma/Allergy Founda-
tion, Police Athletic League, B.P.O.E. Elks, Ronald McDonald House, Big
Brothers/Big Sisters, Rosary Hill Home, Breast Cancer Research, Special
Olympics, Cancer Society Parks and Recreation, Special Olympics Torch
Run, Chamber of Commerce, St. John's Hospital, Christ the King Church,
St. Patrick's Day Committee Christmas Party, The C.R.Y.S.T.L.E. Closet,
Inc., Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, D.A.R.E., East Yonkers Boys and Girls
Club, Untermeyer Performing Arts Foundation, V.F.W. Post 1666, Make a
Wish Foundation, Westchester Burn Center, Westchester Emerald Society,
and P. S. 5 Disabled Children Picnic, as well as the Westchester Victims
Assistance Program; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association, formerly
known as the Yonkers Police Association, continues to serve as a strong

advocate and effective voice for its entire membership; while working to
foster a spirit of camaraderie amongst its members, the organization
also works toward developing a greater understanding, mutual respect,
and a helpful relationship with the citizens its members serve so proud-
ly; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those organiza-
tions which 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
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Yonkers Police Benevolent Asso-
ciation on March 4, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Yonkers Police Benevolent Association.

J3938

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of The Olana
Partnership

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality of
life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by its
exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions and the
organizations which support them; these organizations give positive
definition to the profile and disposition of the communities of the
State of New York and profoundly strengthen our society with their
commitment; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of The Olana Partnership; and
WHEREAS, Widely considered the greatest masterpiece of Frederic Edwin
Church, the preeminent American artist of the mid-19th Century, the
Olana State Historic Site is one of the most important artist's homes,
studios and designed landscapes in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The Olana was originally designed by Frederick Edwin Church
as a holistic environment integrating his advanced ideas about art,
architecture, landscape design, and environmental conservation; its 250
acres of artist-designed landscape includes a house inspired by Persian
styles which sits at a summit of a hill featuring unrivaled panoramic
views of the Hudson Valley; and
WHEREAS, The Olana Partnership is a private not-for-profit educational
corporation which works cooperatively with New York State to support the
restoration, conservation, and interpretation of Olana State Historic
Site; and
WHEREAS, In June of 1966, the New York State legislature passed a bill
authorizing the purchase of the Olana estate, with an organization known
as Olana Preservation, Inc. contributing funds to its opening as a New
York State Historic Site in June of 1967; and
WHEREAS, Olana Preservation, Inc. disbanded shortly thereafter, but
several of its key members rejoined to start the nonprofit Friends of
Olana in 1971; this organization later changed its name to The Olana
Partnership in 2000; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to inspiring the public by preserving and inter-
preting Frederic Church's artistic masterwork, The Olana Partnership
continues to play an integral role in supporting New York State's Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation efforts at Olana; and
WHEREAS, In addition, The Olana Partnership is committed to providing
continuous operational support by offering on-site curatorial and
archival staff, and landscape maintenance, as well as managing the gift
store and membership program; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Olana State Historic Site is a designated National
Historic Landmark and one of the most visited sites in the state with
more than 150,000 visitors annually; and
WHEREAS, The expert members and staff of The Olana Partnership, are
and always have been characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence, and
accordingly merit the commendation of this Legislative Body; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of The Olana Partnership; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Olana Partnership.