Senate Resolution No. 2461

BY: Senator WALCZYK

HONORING Pat Paton upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Senior of the Year
Award by Hamilton County

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 Pat Paton
upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Senior of the
Year Award by Hamilton County; 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, Pat Paton has continually demonstrated extreme competence,
extraordinary intelligence, and diligent leadership in her unwavering
service to her community and, consequently, has been selected for this
most prestigious honor; and

WHEREAS, Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Pat Paton
graduated from Mary Louis Academy in Jamaica Estates, New York;
furthering her education, she earned her college degree at St.
Bonaventure University in St. Bonaventure, New York; and

WHEREAS, Ever active in her community, Pat Paton has been involved
with the Wells Senior Club since 2015, serving as secretary of the
Travel Committee; Meals on Wheels for the Wells meal site for seven
years, delivering to those in need; the Friends of the Wells Library,
assisting at book sales; the Wells Central School District as a pen pal
for second-grade students for three years; the Sacandaga Task Force for
Senior Living (STFSL) since 2017, contributing to the newsletter and
other publicity efforts, planning trips and working at the Pasta and
Wine Tasting fundraiser, the latter for five years; the Fulton County
Office for the Aging, helping with Thursday lunches for eight years;
and, most recently, the Northville Team for Alzheimer's Respite; and

WHEREAS, Before retirement, Pat Paton worked as a billing supervisor
for Whelan's International; and

WHEREAS, With a lifelong love of reading, Pat Paton has been
attending the Northville Library Book Group for five years and actively
writes poetry; winning first place and other awards, Pat Paton has
participated in the Hamilton County Senior Arbor Day Poetry Contest for
five years; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Pat Paton has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, Pat Paton has enriched the lives of her family, friends and
colleagues through her love and respect for others, and through the
wisdom which comes from many years of living life to the fullest; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Pat Paton upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Senior of the Year Award by Hamilton County; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Pat Paton.