LEGISLATURE STUFF - Promulgating

CATSKILL - They are what they are all year-round, even as Greene County Legislature members proclaimed May to be “Older Americans’ Month.” during their recent regular monthly meeting.

A special Proclamation was also issued, commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the startup of the Revolutionary War.

Pausing in their normal duties, lawmakers joined the nationwide tribute to senior citizens with Sherry True, chairwoman of the legislative County Services Committee, leading the local way.

True presented the official Proclamation to county Human Services (Aging & Youth) deputy director Tami Bone, stating, “the older residents of Greene County represent a wealth of knowledge and experience and are one of the county’s most valuable resources.

“The Greene County legislature is committed to supporting its senior citizens by means of a vast array of programs and services.

“Over one-fifth of the county’s total population is comprised of citizens 65 years of age or older,” the proclamation states.

“A growing number of baby boomers are rapidly becoming older citizens, and the number of individuals providing care to family members and friends is expanding significantly.

“Greene County benefits greatly from the dedication and community awareness of the senior residents,” the proclamation states.

“The national theme of 2025 is “Flip the Script on Aging,” and focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about and approaches aging.”

Flipping the script encourages “individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and aging in place by combating isolation, loneliness and other issues,” the proclamation states.

“With great pleasure, we honor our senior citizens and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent and included in their communities, and encourage them to continue to play a vital role in the Greene County community.”

Turning the focus to formation of the country, lawmakers put hand-to-heart in remembrance of the initial military incursion toward independence.

“On April 19, 1775, the first battle of the American Revolutionary War took place at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts,” the proclamation states. 

“Colonial militia faced British troops in a decisive and symbolic clash marking the beginning of a struggle that would lead to the birth of the United States of America.

“It was at Lexington where the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” was fired, a single act that signaled the beginning of the fight for liberty and independence,” the proclamation states.

Lexington and Concord forever altered the course of history and ignited the “flames of freedom in the hearts of the American people.

“The courage and resolve of these early patriots set the stage for the formation of a new nation founded on the principles of freedom and justice,” the proclamation states.

“From the towns that would eventually become Greene County, New York, hundreds of men enlisted to fight in the Revolutionary War, joining the cause of independence with valor and determination, demonstrating the spirit of patriotism that has come to define our nation.

“The freedoms we enjoy as Americans have been purchased and maintained at a high price throughout our history,” the proclamation states.

“The sacrifices of those who have served in our military have preserved our unique form of government, a government that is dedicated to human rights and respect for the individual.

“The service of these early patriots, along with countless others, helped to secure the liberty we cherish and laid the foundation for the birth of a nation,” the proclamation states.

“In honor of these dedicated men and women, we pledge our continued defense of our nation so that their sacrifice will stand before the entire world as a tribute to the spirit and determination of a people dedicated to the principles of freedom and democracy.

“We call upon all citizens to…remember the sacrifices of those who came before us, express our gratitude to those who serve today and stand united in support of our nation’s military personnel, ensuring that their legacies continue to inspire future generations,” the proclamation states.

In a related action, legislature chairman Patrick Linger appointed members to the Greene County 250th American Revolution Commission.

The group will spearhead celebratory efforts of the conceptual founding of America, on July 4, 1776, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, leading to the 1783 Treaty of Paris.

Linger made the selections following a presentation by county historian Jonathan Palmer, spring-boarding a multi-year celebration of freedom. 

Commission members include Linger, Palmer, county administrator Shaun Groden, Tyler Lynch (county Veterans Services director), Patty Austin (county tourism director);

Matthew Luvera (legislator and primary school history teacher), Catherine Benson (county Libraries Association president), Beth Stewart (county Chamber of Commerce president/executive director);

Heather Palmer (Thomas Cole National Historic Site director of visitor engagement) and Carolyn Bennett (Zadock Pratt Museum director).