LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mary Lou Lockwood 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 Lou Lock-
wood 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 resident of the Wolcott, New York, area for 66 years, Mary
Lou Lockwood is always willing to lend a helping hand; she gives of her
time and energy to numerous local organizations; and
WHEREAS, Mary Lou Lockwood holds the title of Secretary of the Wolcott
Ambulance, where she maintains the clothing drop box, and manages both
employees and volunteers; and
WHEREAS, A faithful congregant of the Wolcott Presbyterian Church,
Mary Lou Lockwood is a member of the choir and the women's group, and
serves as a Deacon and Elder; in addition, she assists with Vacation
Bible School, the Baccalaureate Service, and during the holidays, she
coordinates the Toys for Kids drive and distributes food baskets; and
WHEREAS, Mary Lou Lockwood also holds the positions of Treasurer of
the Council of Churches and Director of the Food Pantry; in this capaci-
ty, she not only distributes food, but also trains volunteers and writes
grants; and
WHEREAS, As leader of her church's Youth Group, Mary Lou Lockwood has
guided the young people through her Christian values; under her luminous
supervision, the members have served food in the soup kitchen, collected
money for various Salvation Army Red Kettle projects, participated in
Make a Difference Day, and helped raise funds for the American Heart
Association; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Mary Lou Lockwood has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Mary Lou Lockwood is a member of a large family which
frequently gathers together to have fun; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband of 47 years, Bob,
their four children, and seven grandchildren, as well as two great-
grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged 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 Mary Lou Lockwood has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, Mary Lou Lockwood, 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 Lou Lockwood 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 Lou Lockwood.