Honor Rosemary Bland’s Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 3974 BY: Senator MONTGOMERY COMMENDING Rosemary Bland upon the occasion of her retirement after 27 years of distinguished service to the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES 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 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 commend Rosemary Bland upon the occasion of her retirement after 27 years of distinguished service to the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES; on February 23, 2018, she will officially retire from this position; and WHEREAS, In 1989, Rosemary Bland began her long and distinguished career working with senior citizens as a community liaison with the Brooklyn Wide Interagency Council; in this capacity, she traveled throughout Brooklyn meeting with interagency councils; participated in legislative meetings at the New York State Capitol in Albany, New York; and visited numerous senior centers, where she informed the residents about vital legislation, new entitlements and benefits; and WHEREAS, Always eager to learn, Rosemary Bland took a gerontology class at New York Technical College, and subsequently, became acquainted with her Professor, Edwin Santiago Mendez, who was also the CEO of the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council; and WHEREAS, Rosemary Bland was then hired by Edwin Santiago Mendez to manage the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council at the Red Hook Senior Center; and WHEREAS, From 1991-2004, Rosemary Bland devoted her life to serving the patrons of the Red Hook Senior Center; she thoroughly appreciated her work and loved to create fun, healthy activities and programs for the seniors; and WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Rosemary Bland accomplished many goals by working with various politicians on a federal, state and city level, and numerous organizations such as the New York City Housing Authority, Red Hook East and West Tenant Associations, Red Hook Library, Good Shepherd, AmeriCorps, Justice Center, New York Parks Department, Red Hook Grandparent Support Group, and Fairway Market, as well as IKEA; and WHEREAS, After graduating from the Hunter School of Social Work in

2004, Rosemary Bland assumed a leadership position at the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES Times Plaza Senior Center in downtown Brooklyn; and WHEREAS, For the last 14 years, Rosemary Bland managed the Social Adult Program which serves early dementia seniors; she also supervised the senior companion workers, who served as caregivers for the Program; and WHEREAS, In addition, Rosemary Bland diligently worked with the New York City Department for the Aging to incorporate a Senior Title V Worker Training Program in order to provide even more services to seniors; and WHEREAS, Throughout her esteemed career, Rosemary Bland truly enjoyed getting to know each and every person who walked through her door, and considered many of them to be her extended family; she relished spending time with her friends, and loved to experience new adventures with them; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their profession, 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 commend Rosemary Bland upon the occasion of her retirement after 27 years of distinguished service to the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council-RAICES and to wish her continued success in all her future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Rosemary Bland.