J 916: Honoring Raymond Harris 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. 916 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING Raymond Harris 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 Raymond Harris upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the New York State Office for the Aging at its Annual Older New Yorkers' Day Celebration 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 passionate dedication to helping others, Raymond Harris devotes much of his time to volunteer service; this admirable devotion to service reflects his unwavering sense of compassion, resilience, and profound sense of civic responsibility; and WHEREAS, Raymond Harris is a resident of Utica, New York, and is widely regarded for his kindness and being the first to lend a helping hand to anyone in need; and WHEREAS, For the past six years, Raymond Harris has earned the esteem and respect of the neighbors in his apartment building by assisting those in need in countless ways; he helps to clean off residents' cars of snow, moves cars for the plow trucks, and helps those who become stuck while driving in the snow; and WHEREAS, Raymond Harris, in true selfless fashion, drives residents to the store, to medical appointments, and other destinations of need; he always goes above and beyond and is known to cook for those who cannot cook for themselves, providing comfort and companionship every step of the way; and WHEREAS, This incredible citizen, Raymond Harris, works alongside his friend to deliver bread and baked goods as well as organize food drop offs and deliveries for anyone in need of such goods; 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 four children, fourteen grandchildren, and four great granddaughters, all of whom have 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 Raymond Harris has displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, Raymond Harris, 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 Raymond Harris 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 Raymond Harris.