Honor Phyllis Rathbun's Service

Senate Resolution No. 4190 BY: Senator O'MARA COMMENDING Phyllis Rathbun upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 22, 2018 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Phyllis Rathbun upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Older New Yorkers Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at the Hart Theatre Lounge in the Egg, Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, Each May, the New York State Office for the Aging pauses to acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by older citizens during National Older Americans Month; and WHEREAS, Members of older generations have helped build and shape our Nation to be the greatest in the world; they have defended our freedoms and values to ensure that those who come after them may have better lives; nowhere in the Nation is the legacy of their efforts more visible and more a part of the lives of all citizens than here in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Wayland High School, Phyllis Rathbun earned her teaching degree from SUNY Geneseo; she then began her distinguished 35-year career as an elementary teacher at Naples Central School; and WHEREAS, In 1957, Phyllis met her husband, Stan Rathbun, and together, they established a small strawberry farm in 1976; and WHEREAS, This esteemed woman has been called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given of herself unstintingly; and WHEREAS, As a college student, Phyllis Rathbun founded the Willing Workers 4-H Club of North Cohocton in 1953; today, she continues to teach the Willing Workers about important life skills such as cooking, sewing and public speaking, as well as self-sufficiency, courage, tenacity and the benefits of serving others; and WHEREAS, Through Phyllis Rathbun's steadfast efforts, many of the Willing Workers have been selected for leadership trainings or have achieved champion status on their projects; for her unremitting commitment to the children of her community, she was the recipient of the NYS Salute to Excellence Lifetime Volunteer Award by New York State

4-H; and WHEREAS, Phyllis Rathbun truly believes in the value of volunteering, and encourages everyone to pitch in without expectation of payment or recognition; and WHEREAS, In addition to her work with 4-H, Phyllis Rathbun has served in various capacities at numerous worthy organizations including the North Cohocton United Methodist Church, EJ Cottrell Memorial Library, and Atlanta-North Cohocton Community Development; and WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a period of constructive involvement, Phyllis Rathbun has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her husband of 61 years, Stan, who has shown her love and support and rejoices in her many achievements; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Phyllis Rathbun has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, Phyllis Rathbun, a very active and industrious woman, has inspired and enriched the lives of those she serves through her volunteerism, generously sharing the wisdom gained over years of experiencing life to its fullest; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Phyllis Rathbun upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 22, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Phyllis Rathbun.