House Concurrent Resolution 43

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MS. FRAN GRAVES FOR BEING A RECIPIENT OF THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF MISSISSIPPI AGELESS HEROES AWARD FOR 2006.

WHEREAS, Ms. Fran Graves, age 75, and a resident of Richland, Mississippi, has been selected as a 2006 Mississippi Ageless Hero statewide honoree for her community involvement; and

WHEREAS, her longtime passion for helping others, Good Samaritan doesn't begin to describe Ms. Graves' commitment to worthy causes to aid the state's growing senior population; and

WHEREAS, immersing herself in efforts to her community involvement, Ms. Graves, who serves as President of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary post in Florence, Mississippi, program chairperson and secretary for the AARP chapter in Richland and President of the Richland Community Dance Club, has endeavored, since her 60th birthday, through the Lions Club vision programs, to raise money and sponsor eye surgeries and has assisted a blind individual in receiving a guide dog; and

WHEREAS, she was the driving force behind the move to bring the Morr-Sight mobile eye care clinic to Mississippi to provide eye examinations and glasses for more than 3,000 Mississippians; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Graves is also lauded for her involvement through volunteerism with the organizations, Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (S.A.L.T.), which offers Richland residents an opportunity to voice their concerns and help police improve the community, and Order of the Eastern Star; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Graves, who refers to age as only a number, and lives her life for the enjoyment of each day, attributes longevity to her faith in God and maintaining an active lifestyle; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize outstanding individuals, such as Ms. Fran Graves, who exhibits the very best spirit and vitality of our nation's seniors while helping her community through her creativity, volunteering and inspiring others:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Ms. Fran Graves for being a recipient of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi Ageless Heroes Award for 2006.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Graves and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.