LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Don Brooks upon the occasion of his
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 Don Brooks
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the New
York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Senior Citizens Day Cele-
bration 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 man has been called upon to contribute his time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Born in Malone, New York on February 4, 1932, Don Brooks
moved to Ellenburg Center in 1937, and graduated from Ellenburg Central
in 1949; he attended Clarkson College for two years and transferred to
SUNY Oswego, graduating in 1954; and
WHEREAS, Don Brooks valiantly served his country as a member of the
United States Army during the Korean Conflict for two years; upon the
completion of his military service he began his illustrious career
teaching Industrial Arts at Greenwich Central in 1956; and
WHEREAS, After earning a Master's degree, Don Brooks relocated to
Fallsburgh Central in Sullivan County where he served as a Guidance
Counselor; he moved back to Greenwich where he continued as a Guidance
Counselor, retiring in 1987 after many years of distinguished service;
and
WHEREAS, Don Brooks then went on to become a part-time Admissions
Interviewer for Skidmore College for another 21 years; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Don Brooks has been on the
Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society and Catholic Chari-
ties in Saratoga, while also serving as a representative to Greenwich
Interfaith Fellowship from St. Joseph's where he coordinates the
Bereavement Ministry; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Don Brooks has been an instructor for AARP's
Safe Driving Course for ten years; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Don Brooks has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his first wife, Marcella, who
passed away in 1981, and his present wife of 25 years, Mary Anne, six
children, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Don Brooks has displayed throughout
his life; and

WHEREAS, Don Brooks, a very active and industrious man, has inspired
and enriched the lives of those he serves through his 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 Don Brooks upon the occasion of his designation for special recog-
nition 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 Don Brooks.