Honor Melissa Foster’s Service

Senate Resolution No. 271 BY: Senator JACOBS HONORING Melissa Foster upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2016 Andrus Award for Community Service by the American Association of Retired Persons WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who are devoted to the welfare of their 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 Melissa Foster upon the occasion of her designation as the 2016 Andrus Award for Community Service by the American Association of Retired Persons, celebrated at a ceremony held on Thursday, November 10, 2016; and WHEREAS, The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, social welfare organization; its membership of nearly 38 million helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities in addition to strengthening communities and changing the way America defines aging; and WHEREAS, The Andrus Award, named after the AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus, recognizes individuals who are sharing their experience, talents and skills to enrich the lives of others; and WHEREAS, Melissa Foster was selected for this auspicious award for her extraordinary service to the town of Kenmore; and WHEREAS, In 2008, she founded the Kenmore Village Improvement Society, whose mission is to improve the quality of village life through consistent communication, engaging education and thoughtful action; and WHEREAS, Initially including 150 community members, the Kenmore Village Improvement Society has grown to include more than 1,000 members in the last 8 years; and WHEREAS, A resident of Kenmore, Melissa Foster has transformed a small beautiful town into an even more vibrant community for its residents, businesses and visitors; she has organized different activities, such as a free children's concert series, festivals, village-wide cleanup days and garden makeovers; and WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a period of constructive involvement, Melissa Foster has stood constantly in dignity, good grace and humor; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Melissa Foster has displayed throughout her life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Melissa Foster upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2016 Andrus Award for Community Service by the American Association of Retired Persons; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Melissa Foster.