LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Johnny Yap upon the occasion of his
selection as 2015 New York City Senior Citizen of the Year by the New
York State Office for the Aging

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 Johnny Yap
upon the occasion of his selection as 2015 New York City Senior Citizen
of the Year by the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual
Senior Citizens Day Celebration on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, 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, 40 years ago, Johnny Yap migrated to New York City from
Malaysia with his wife and son; in Malaysia, he held the position of
both Accountant and Accounts Manager for an engineering company; and
WHEREAS, After moving to the Lower East Side in New York City, Johnny
Yap was employed as a Driver for Key Foods Warehouse for more than 25
years, a position he held until he officially retired in 2001; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed gentleman 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, A committed volunteer for six years, Johnny Yap joined
University Settlement Senior Center and became one of its most active
participants; his enthusiasm and dynamic personality aided his inte-
gration into a multi-cultural community of seniors; and
WHEREAS, Johnny Yap has been able to transcend cultural barriers and
has the fluidity to communicate with various ethnic groups; he has held
many leadership positions within the Center, including President of the
Senior Advisory Council, Wellness Instructor, Front Desk Volunteer, and
a Translator; in these capacities, he stays informed of issues facing
seniors, and advocates for needed changes on their behalf; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Johnny Yap has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Johnny Yap has displayed throughout
his life; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife and his son, both of
whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Johnny Yap, 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 Johnny Yap upon the occasion of being selected as the 2015 New

York City Senior Citizen of the Year by the New York State Office for
the Aging; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Johnny Yap.