J 915: Honoring Wilbur Sickles Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 27, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 915 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING Wilbur Sickles Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 27, 2025 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Wilbur Sickles Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Older New Yorker's Day program on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Albany: The Desmond Hotel in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, Each May, the New York State Office for the Aging pauses to acknowledge the outstanding contributions made by older citizens during National Older Americans Month; and WHEREAS, With a lifelong dedication to others, Wilbur "Warren" Sickles Jr. has devoted over 24 years of his life to volunteer service; this admirable devotion to service reflects his unwavering sense of compassion, resilience, and profound sense of civic responsibility; and WHEREAS, Wilbur Sickles Jr. has been the president of the South Rome Senior Center of Rome, New York for the past eight years, helping to grow the center into a welcoming and comfortable environment for all its members; and WHEREAS, Obtaining a new roof, updating the floors, completely repainting the space, adding new carpeting, and securing a bingo machine are some of Wilbur Sickles Jr.'s accomplishments during his tenure as president of the South Rome Senior Center; and WHEREAS, Dedicating countless hours to the betterment of the South Rome Senior Center, Wilbur Sickles Jr. works diligently with the City of Rome, the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, and the Rome Community Foundation to find grant monies for the center's expenses; and WHEREAS, Because of Wilbur Sickles Jr.'s sincere care for others, when a tornado struck Rome, he acted swiftly in securing a generator, allowing the center to remain operational for four days, allowing residents to have the comforts needed to endure a difficult time; and WHEREAS, Further, Wilbur Sickles Jr. arranged for donations and food to be brought to the South Rome Senior Center during this natural disaster, ensuring the continued health and happiness of the members and community at large; and WHEREAS, Members of older generations have helped build and shape our Nation to be the greatest in the world; they have defended our freedoms and values to ensure that those who come after them may have better lives; nowhere in the Nation is the legacy of their efforts more visible and more a part of the lives of all citizens than here in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his two children, three stepchildren, and seven grandchildren, all of whom have all shown him endless love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Wilbur Sickles Jr. has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, Wilbur Sickles Jr., a very active and industrious man, has inspired and enriched the lives of those he serves through his volunteerism, generously sharing the wisdom gained over years of experiencing life to its fullest; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Wilbur Sickles Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging on May 27, 2025; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Wilbur Sickles Jr.