LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Edith Beatty upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by Meals on Wheels for Western New
York, after more than 40 years of distinguished volunteer service to the
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to call attention to
the dedicated efforts of those individuals from across the State of New
York who volunteer their time and energies in service to the community;
and
WHEREAS, Volunteerism is an essential element of all societies; it
provides a way in which the human values of community, caring and serv-
ing can be sustained and strengthened; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Edith Beatty upon the occasion of her designation for special recogni-
tion by Meals on Wheels for Western New York, after more than 40 years
of distinguished volunteer service to the community; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated at the Meals on
Wheels for Western New York's Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner as a
gesture of appreciation for selfless and giving individuals who have
helped to carry out its mission for 20, 25, 30, and 35 years; this year,
Edith Beatty, the longest-serving volunteer in the history of the agen-
cy, will be honored with more than 40 years of volunteer service; and
WHEREAS, Meals on Wheels for Western New York's mission seeks to
enrich lives and to promote independent healthy living by offering
nutritious food and a friendly visit; and
WHEREAS, Since 1969, Meals on Wheels for Western New York has been
faithfully serving its community; currently, this vital organization
serves and produces more than a million meals a year; and
WHEREAS, Edith Beatty began her volunteer service with the Hamburg
Meals on Wheels in the 1970s in support of her sister-in-law, Polly
Mitchell, who spearheaded the formation of a local Meals on Wheels
group; and
WHEREAS, Every Wednesday, Edith Beatty delivered meals; her friends
and family quickly learned not to ask her to lunch on Wednesdays because
that was her "Meals Day"; and
WHEREAS, The ability to give back through Meals on Wheels was some-
thing that nourished Edith Beatty's caring nature and the values she and
her husband, Spen Beatty, instilled in their family which was to do what
they could for others in need; and
WHEREAS, Edith Beatty's enjoyment and passion for the program was
contagious, and after Spen retired, he joined her in delivering meals
every week until he passed away in 1989; she continued to volunteer
throughout the years, and her devotion to Meals on Wheels and the
clients was unwavering; and
WHEREAS, For Edith Beatty, volunteering with Meals on Wheels started
and continued as a family affair; in 2006, her son, Jim Beatty, and
daughter, Louise Zittel, started to volunteer for Meals on Wheels not
only to make sure that their mother could continue this weekly tradition
of giving as she got older, but also to take part in giving back them-
selves when their schedules opened up a bit in retirement; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her longstanding volunteer career with Meals
on Wheels and her commitment to her family, Edith Beatty worked as a
substitute teacher in the Hamburg, Frontier and Springville School
Districts; and
WHEREAS, Recently, Edith Beatty retired from her volunteer career at
Meals on Wheels for Western New York, but not before reaching the

impressive milestone of serving clients for more than 40 years; she
fondly remembers her days at Meals on Wheels and enjoyed the weekly
interactions with each client and the other volunteers; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Edith Beatty upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by Meals on Wheels for Western New York, after more than 40
years of distinguished volunteer service to the community; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Edith Beatty.