Senate Resolution No. 51

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Mary Ellen Kalled upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the Senior Lifetime
Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior
Issues Forum on October 10, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Mary Ellen Kalled upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District Senior
Issues Forum to be celebrated at its 19th Annual Senior Lifetime
Achievement Award Ceremony on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at
Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Capital District Senior Issues Forum is a voluntary
initiative among faith communities, organizations and individuals which
provides support for seniors in the capital district through education
and dialogue; and

WHEREAS, Since 1998, this vital organization has focused on senior
housing issues by bringing together caregivers, faith organizations,
government officials, housing facilities, administrators and seniors
themselves; and

WHEREAS, For the past 19 years, the Capital District Senior Issues
Forum has honored hundreds of senior citizens over the age of 85 for
their lifetime achievements; and

WHEREAS, Mary Ellen Kalled is being recognized as an extraordinary
senior for her tireless efforts in making a difference in the lives of
others and for giving selflessly in community service; and

WHEREAS, Born on November 11, 1933, Mary Ellen Kalled was raised in
Albany where she attended the Academy of the Holy Names for 12 years;
while there, she developed a love of music, especially the piano; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from the Boston University School of
Music, Mary Ellen Kalled married her late husband, Emil in 1956; shortly
thereafter, the couple had four children, Barbara, Kevin, Susan and the
late David; later, Mary Ellen's family was joined by daughter-in-law,
Donna, and son-in-law, Michael; and

WHEREAS, For the last 25 years, Mary Ellen Kalled has been an active
and faithful member and volunteer for her Blessed Sacrament Church
family serving in various roles such as President of the Rosary Altar
Society, and Eucharistic Minister both in church and to the homebound
who she truly likes to visit and get to know; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Mary Ellen Kalled helps clean the church,
sends weekly bulletins to shut-ins, and works in the thrift store and
food pantry; in this capacity, she organizes the volunteers for the
pantry and keeps a detailed register of every client; and

WHEREAS, When she is not helping someone, Mary Ellen Kalled enjoys
spending time with her three beloved grandchildren, Chelsea, Victoria
and Sophia; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Mary Ellen Kalled has
displayed throughout her life; she is an involved, caring person, who is
always willing and able to lend a helping hand, a listening ear and a
kind word; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mary Ellen Kalled upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Senior Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital
District Senior Issues Forum on October 10, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Mary Ellen Kalled.