Senate Resolution No. 5269

BY: Senator O'MARA

HONORING Harold J. Hoffmeier, Jr. upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2018
Older New Yorker of the Year Award

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, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commend the
senior citizens of the Empire State who, as they reach the fullness of
years, continue to be active and vital participants in the life of their
community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Harold J. Hoffmeier, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the 2018 Older New Yorker of the Year Award, to be
celebrated on Tuesday, May 22, 2018; and

WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, he has continually
demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent
leadership in his unwavering service to his community and, consequently,
has been selected for this most prestigious honor; and

WHEREAS, Born in Pennsylvania, Harold "Jay" Hoffmeier, Jr. valiantly
served his country as a member of the United States Army during the
Vietnam War; he went on to receive his medical education at Western
Michigan University; and

WHEREAS, Passionate about providing high quality health care of a
national level locally in Schuyler County, Harold J. Hoffmeier, Jr.
serves as a Physician's Assistant specializing in family medicine at
Arnot Health in Watkins Glen, New York; and

WHEREAS, Harold J. Hoffmeier, Jr. joined The Arc of Schuyler Board
of Directors in 1992, and served as Vice-President from May of 2006 to
April of 2009, and as President from 2009 to 2012; he also serves on the
organization's audit, budget and finance, by-laws, incident review, and
human resources committee; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary man, with the belief that all people
deserve to lead a life with dignity and purpose, is a passionate
advocate for his son who receives services through The Arc, and others
impacted by decisions made at the state and national levels regarding
services for people with disabilities and their families; and

WHEREAS, Through his role on The Arc New York's Board of Governors,
Harold J. Hoffmeier, Jr. has had a great impact in the field of
developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Harold J. Hoffmeier, Jr. serves on the advisory board for

Arnot Medical Services, and is a member of the New York State Society of
Physician Assistants; he has also volunteered at the Montour Falls
United Methodist Church since joining with his wife in 1971; and

WHEREAS, Harold J. Hoffmeier, Jr. embodies the principles and ideals
that make us proud to be Americans and has been an active volunteer for
40 years; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Harold J. Hoffmeier, Jr. has
displayed throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 47 years, Betsy,
and their five children, as well as five grandchildren and five
great-grandchildren, who have all shown him love and support and rejoice
in his many achievements; 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
honor Harold J. Hoffmeier, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the 2018 Older New Yorker of the Year Award; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Harold J. Hoffmeier, Jr.