Honor Esther Hobson's 100th Birthday

Senate Resolution No. 1450 BY: Senator HAMILTON CONGRATULATING Esther Rosetta Ward Hobson upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great Empire State; and 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, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Esther Rosetta Ward Hobson upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday to be celebrated at a party held in her honor on Friday, April

21, 2017, at the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation (CNR) in Brooklyn, New York; and WHEREAS, Esther Hobson was born on Easter Sunday in 1916; she attended P.S. 54, J.H.S. 35 and Girls High School in Brooklyn; and WHEREAS, At the age of 21, Esther Ward married James Alfred Hobson; together, they raised four daughters, and eight sons, all of whom proudly served their country as members of the United States Armed Forces; and WHEREAS, The Hobson family, like many other American families, supported the national war effort by collecting the recycling fats, paper, rags and metal and maintaining a Victory garden; their garden was the recipient of the McArthur Medal in a garden community contest, and was subsequently used as a model to be replicated by others; and WHEREAS, Esther Hobson and her husband raised their children to value church and music; they were both vital members of the Ebenezer Methodist Church, and enjoyed singing with their children at home; and WHEREAS, Esther Hobson worked in the dietary department at Kings County Hospital, and then served as a clerk with the New York City Department of Social Services, the position from which she officially retired; and WHEREAS, For more than 50 years, Esther Hobson has been a faithful member of the Bushwick United Methodist Church, where she has shared her infectious enthusiasm for sewing, knitting, embroidery and other needlecraft skills with numerous young people; and WHEREAS, Today, Esther Hobson is an active participant in spiritual programs and gospel singing at CNR; known as a kind soul, she routinely visits other residents and reads the Bible to them; and WHEREAS, Esther Hobson, with her zest for life, has inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian has experienced the incredible joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina and courage to savor a full life; and WHEREAS, Esther Hobson has enriched the lives of those around her through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Esther Rosetta Ward Hobson upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Esther Rosetta Ward Hobson.