LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Antoinette Vessey upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for
the Aging on May 10, 2016

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 Antoinette
Vessey upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by
the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Senior Citizens
Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, 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, 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, A Certified Lay Servant, Antoinette Vessey is an active
member of the Colchester Community Methodist Church where she teaches
women's Bible study, serves on the church council, edits the monthly
church newsletter, and is a delegate to the New York Annual Conference;
and
WHEREAS, In addition, she assists with church service communion,
ushering, heads the prayer chain and Vacation Bible School, and assists
with community fundraisers; and
WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to helping others,
Antoinette Vessey has been a past president and trip coordinator for the
Colchester Senior Citizens, and currently serves as their treasurer; and
WHEREAS, Antoinette Vessey is also the secretary for the Western Cats-
kills Parish Council, an elected Catskill Hudson District co-lay leader,
an active member of the Downsville Women's Club, and the Town of
Colchester tax collector; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Antoinette Vessey has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Philip, and their
two children, as well as three grandchildren, all of whom feel privi-
leged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Antoinette Vessey has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, Antoinette Vessey, a very active and industrious woman, has
inspired and enriched the lives of those she serves through her volun-
teerism, 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 Antoinette Vessey upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 10, 2016;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Antoinette Vessey.