Senate Resolution No. 3735

BY: Senator SEWARD

COMMENDING Mary Lou Garrett upon the occasion of
being named the 2017 Times Journal Star

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve
the best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration
and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and

WHEREAS, Mary Lou Garrett has given not only of her time and
energies but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and
consequently has been designated for special honor; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Mary Lou
Garrett upon the occasion of being named the 2017 Times Journal Star;
and

WHEREAS, Born to Dr. Wilhelm and Catherine Moser, Mary Lou Garrett
is a resident of Cobleskill, New York; and

WHEREAS, Mary Lou Garrett is the epitome of Schoharie County caring,
whether it is the two-legged or four-legged variety, she is always
willing to lend a helping hand; she has been an active volunteer for the
Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, Cobleskill Regional Hospital
Auxiliary, Hospice, Schoharie County ARC, and the Schoharie County Jail;
and

WHEREAS, Mary Lou Garrett 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, An animal lover, this remarkable woman has served the
Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley since its humble beginnings; she has
held numerous leadership positions including president, treasurer and
secretary; and

WHEREAS, Mary Lou Garrett is also an active volunteer with the
Hospital Auxiliary, serving in numerous capacities such as delivering
fresh flowers, baking cookies, working in the coffee shop, and
organizing the hospital's six Red Cross Blood Drives; this incredibly
caring woman logs 1,000 or more service hours annually; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, Mary Lou Garrett has served as a Hospice
volunteer for 20 years, and has been a member of the Schoharie County
ARC Board of Directors, where she later worked for 16 years; and

WHEREAS, A truly compassionate woman, Mary Lou Garrett has also
worked as a librarian and bail bondsman at the Schoharie County Jail,
and helped inmates compose letters; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Mary Lou Garrett has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout has been her partner, Todd Smith, who
has shown her love and support and rejoices in her many achievements;
and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Mary Lou Garrett has
displayed throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Mary Lou Garrett upon the occasion of being named the 2017 Times
Journal Star; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mary Lou Garrett.