Senate Resolution No. 5273

BY: Senator O'MARA

HONORING Charles H. Grund 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
Charles H. Grund 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 and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania, Charles H. Grund
valiantly served his country as a member of the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service, Charles H.
Grund moved his bride to Elmira, New York, where he began his career as
a financial broker and the couple raised their three children; and

WHEREAS, Charles H. Grund has spent the majority of his life
volunteering for the Elmira Correctional Facility in its prison
ministry, as well as Care First (Hospice), offering those at the end of
their life compassion, empathy, comfort and care; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Charles H. Grund has tirelessly volunteered with several
local organizations, including Rotary Club, Area Christians Together for
Service (ACTS), and Chemung Volunteer Action Corps; and

WHEREAS, In addition, this extraordinary man has served as a board
member of the Jewish Community Center and YMCA, an Elder for the First
Presbyterian Church, and a Board-Synod member of the Lutheran Church of
America; and

WHEREAS, Charles H. Grund embodies the principles and ideals that
make us proud to be Americans and has been an active volunteer for 44
years; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Charles H. Grund has
displayed throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 62 years, and
their three children, 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 Charles H. Grund 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 Charles H. Grund.