Honor Florence's 100th Birthday

28, 2016 WHEREAS, Born Frances Pearl Allen on August 28, 1916, in Volney, New York, Florence was the third of four children of Ernest and Katherine Bun Allen; and WHEREAS, She celebrated her 100th Birthday with a party held in her honor on Sunday, August 28, 2016, at the Volney Town Hall; and WHEREAS, Growing up, Florence Allen enjoyed ice-skating and sliding; she attended high school in Fulton, New York; and WHEREAS, Florence Allen married her neighbor, Ethuel "Jack" Stevens, on September 2, 1934; and WHEREAS, Florence and Jack Stevens ran a mom and pop grocery store and gas station until Jack's death in 1974; Florence continued to operate the store until she retired in 1985 after 45 years in business; and WHEREAS, Florence and Jack Stevens were the proud parents of five children, Tresia, Alice and Florence, and the late Stacy and the late Kathleen; and WHEREAS, In addition to running the grocery store, Florence Allen Stevens worked at General Electric to supplement the family's income; she was also a constant and dedicated volunteer for the North Volney Methodist Church as well as to her community in Volney, always lending a hand to neighbors in need; and WHEREAS, In 2008, Florence Allen Stevens was honored by the North Volney Methodist Church for her many years of distinguished service and devotion; and WHEREAS, Florence Allen Stevens has always celebrated her birthdays in style, including a hot air balloon ride to celebrate her 80th birthday, a limousine ride with friends to a party in celebration of her 85th birthday, and a ride in the side car of a motorcycle to celebrate her 90th birthday; and WHEREAS, Florence Allen Stevens has inspired her family with her strength and beauty and they look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with her; and WHEREAS, This distinguished woman, who has experienced the incredible joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina and courage to savor a full life, has inspired the lives of her many friends and family; and WHEREAS, Florence Allen Stevens has enriched the lives of those around her through her joyous and sincere love for life 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 Florence Allen Stevens upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Florence Allen Stevens.