LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mary Ellen Keith 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 Mary Ellen
Keith 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, Mary Ellen Keith, along with her husband, is the founder of
the St. Paul's Assumption Food Pantry in Vermontville; tireless in her
pursuit of addressing the hunger needs of the community, she has been
vital in the success of the local food pantry; and
WHEREAS, In addition, she was the first female elected official in
Franklin County; she served as the Town Supervisor for eight years in
the 1980s, and was reelected in 1997, serving in this capacity until
2009; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her illustrious tenure, Mary Ellen Keith was
instrumental in securing a new town garage, as well as in the purchasing
of land for a recreational park; during this time she started the summer
food program, utilizing the recreational park to ensure children
throughout the community were fed; and
WHEREAS, Mary Ellen Keith also ran an Adult Proprietary Home for the
elderly for more than 15 years to ensure that seniors who did not meet
nursing home criteria had a home to live in; she was also a volunteer
for the 4-H program, where she was a leader for area children; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to her community, Mary Ellen Keith is a member
of the Brighton 55 Club and Senior Singers where she plays portable
organ at the local nursing homes; she also continues to act as the coor-
dinator of the food pantry she created; and
WHEREAS, While raising her family, Mary Ellen Keith and her husband
were also foster parents to numerous children; during this time she also
returned to school and obtained her LPN certification; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Mary Ellen Keith has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Patrick, their
nine children and 21 grandchildren, as well as 34 great-grandchildren;
and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Mary Ellen Keith has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, Mary Ellen Keith, 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 Mary Ellen Keith 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 Mary Ellen Keith.