Honor Susan Arthur's Service

Senate Resolution No. 943 BY: Senator O'MARA HONORING Susan Arthur upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 21, 2019 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 honor Susan Arthur upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Older New Yorker's Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, 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, Raised in Marcellus, New York, Susan Arthur earned a teaching degree in Physical Education and Biology from SUNY Brockport; she went on to receive her master's degree in the same fields of study from SUNY Cortland; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of her studies, Susan Arthur was offered a position at the Canisteo School District and made the move to Steuben County to begin a 33-year career teaching Physical Education, Life Science and Biology; and WHEREAS, Well-known throughout the county as "Coach" to many soccer, basketball, softball and baseball team members, Susan Arthur spent 36 years coaching youth sports; she also served as the President of the Bath Little League, and was appointed as the first Woman Athletic Director in New York State; and WHEREAS, After her retirement from teaching in 2002, Susan Arthur dedicated herself to her other passion of giving back to the community; she has volunteered at Ira Davenport Hospital for the past 12 years, transporting patients by wheelchair, running errands throughout the building, and carrying medical samples to the lab for processing; and WHEREAS, Susan Arthur has also given tirelessly of her time and energies for the past 17 years to the Finger Lakes SPCA, where she spends an average of 40-50 hours a week caring for at-risk animals; her volunteer roles include Facilities Manager, Outreach Volunteer Coordinator, Equine Supply Coordinator and Fundraising Facilitator; and WHEREAS, In addition, she is a member of the Emergency Rescue Team, taking care of logistics and participating in the rescue of animals from horrible conditions; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband of 44 years, James, and their two sons, as well as two grandchildren, who have all shown her love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Susan Arthur has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, Susan Arthur, 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 honor Susan Arthur upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 21, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Susan Arthur.