Senate Resolution No. 1709

BY: Senator BONACIC

COMMEMORATING the 70th Anniversary of the Ladies
Auxiliary of the Neversink Fire Department to be
celebrated May 6, 2017

WHEREAS, Citizens across our State and Nation are inspired by and
indebted to our noble volunteer firefighters who exhibit courage and
bravery every day in the course of their duties; and

WHEREAS, Volunteer members of the ladies auxiliary exemplify the
power of human compassion and the strength of the American spirit
through actions of the most heroic magnitude; their sacrifices and their
selfless dedication merit tribute and recognition by all citizens of
this great country; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Ladies Auxiliary of the
Neversink Fire Department to be celebrated at its Annual Dinner on
Saturday, May 6, 2017, at the department's Community Hall; and

WHEREAS, The Neversink Fire Department ladies auxiliary was
organized on September 29, 1947, at the Mutton Hill School House with a
membership of 25; officers at the time were President Ellen Slavin,
Secretary Ethelyn Krum and Treasurer Clara Rubenzahl; and

WHEREAS, The 2017 Chair Office's include: President Marlene
Stoutenburg, Vice President Marsha Yaple, Secretary Debbie Bradley,
Treasurer Karen Wolfe, Financial Secretary Diana Sunnekalb, Historian
Sue Pennell, and Chaplain Kathi Smith; and

WHEREAS, Historically, the ladies auxiliary of a volunteer fire
company has been organized to assist and encourage the fire company in
its good work; it is the aim of the ladies auxiliary to cultivate a
spirit of harmony, to promote sociability and to sustain the esteem and
admiration of the community in which it serves; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Neversink
Fire Department has carried out these important functions in an
exemplary manner, providing an invaluable service to the fire department
and community; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the years, the Ladies Auxiliary has selflessly
served and supported the Neversink Fire Department by providing food and
refreshments, as well as emotional support, to its members while on the
scene of emergencies; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Neversink Fire Department truly
appreciate the Ladies Auxiliary, knowing that when they are physically
exhausted and emotionally drained, whether chilled to the bone or
withering from the heat, they will be able to look up and see an
auxiliary member standing there with a candy bar, sandwich or a cup of
soup, and a warm smiling face; and

WHEREAS, It takes a special dedication, a strong desire to help
others and a tireless sense of community to volunteer selflessly,
supporting and assisting the firemen in the provision of fire protection
and prevention; and

WHEREAS, For 70 years, whether at a family dinner or a holiday
celebration, when the fire alarm has sounded, these selfless volunteers
have left their homes and jobs to help the firefighters in pursuit of
their duty; and

WHEREAS, The Neversink Fire Department's Ladies Auxiliary is
prepared daily to carry out its accepted responsibilities, not only
serving but also enhancing the quality of life in their community and
advancing the perception of Neversink as a caring and united community;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Ladies Auxiliary of the
Neversink Fire Department to be celebrated May 6, 2017; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to President Marlene Stoutenburg, Ladies Auxiliary,
Neversink Fire Department.