Honor Eleanor Garland Award

Senate Resolution No. 42 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Eleanor Garland upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior Issues Forum on October 10, 2018 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 honor Eleanor Garland upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior Issues Forum to be celebrated at its 19th Annual Senior Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, The Capital District Senior Issues Forum is a voluntary initiative among faith communities, organizations and individuals which provides support for seniors in the Capital District through education and dialogue; and WHEREAS, Since 1998, this vital organization has focused on senior housing issues by bringing together caregivers, faith organizations, government officials, housing facilities, administrators and seniors themselves; and WHEREAS, For the past 19 years, the Capital District Senior Issues Forum has honored hundreds of senior citizens over the age of 85 for their lifetime achievements; and WHEREAS, Eleanor Garland is being recognized as an extraordinary senior for her tireless efforts in making a difference in the lives of others and for giving selflessly in community service; and WHEREAS, Eleanor "Tootsie" Garland was born to John and Alease Brown on January 12, 1927, in Albany, where she graduated from Phillip Schuyler High School; at the age of 19, she married the late Hoover Garland and, together, they raised five children, Dwight, Lamont, Keith, Gina and Tracy; and WHEREAS, In addition to her children, Eleanor Garland is the loving grandmother of eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; she is also very close to her two nieces, three godchildren, and several close friends; and WHEREAS, A kind and caring woman, Eleanor Garland has always taken care of her family; after her husband suffered a debilitating stroke, she helped get him dressed, took him to doctor appointments, church services, outings and sometimes to the emergency room when he was not feeling well; a devoted wife, she never wavered in the care she provided to him; and WHEREAS, For many years, Eleanor Garland was employed by Montgomery Ward and the State Bank; she was a faithful member of First Israel AME Church where she worked in youth ministry; later, she operated a small community center the church opened on Hudson Avenue; today, many people are very thankful and grateful for the time she spent with them talking, listening and encouraging them; and WHEREAS, Today, at the age of 91, Eleanor Garland continues to serve her community as a Missionary in her church; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Eleanor Garland has displayed throughout her life; she is an involved, caring person, who is always willing and able to lend a helping hand, a listening ear and a kind word; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Eleanor Garland upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior Issues Forum on October 10, 2018; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Eleanor Garland.