The Newburgh Armory Unity Center is busy on Saturday mornings. Parents start bringing their kids at eight o’clock for sports and enrichment programs.
Saturday, Dec. 6 was an exception. There was a crowd at the armory. But the activity was different. Hundreds of people gathered on the indoor soccer field to celebrate two events — the organization’s fourth anniversary and the start of work on a new learning center that is being named for Cornwall-on-Hudson residents Bill and Pat Larkin.
Spectators filled the rows of chairs on the soccer field. Kids settled on the ground in front of the seats, and there were at least 100 people standing. All of them were focused on the platform that included the guests of honor and several dignitaries.
The huge building on South William Street is a success story. Until a few years ago, it had been vacant and decrepit. Dean Skelos, the state Senate majority leader, recalled the transformation when it was his turn at the microphone.
He remembered Sen. Larkin and Bill Kaplan approaching him with the idea several years ago. “I thought these two guys were nuts,” Sen. Skelos admitted, “How could you make something so beautiful out of what it was?”
Sen. Skelos went on to reveal that people in Albany often refer to Mr. Larkin as “Senator Colonel Larkin” — alluding to his 23 years in the military followed by his 36 years in the state legislature. “He is truly a public servant,” Sen. Skelos said. “I never heard him think of anything other than what’s in the best interest of the people he serves.”
Sean Patrick Maloney reiterated that theme during his time at the podium. He commended Sen. Larkin. “He’s the kind of public servant I want to be,” the Congressman told the audience. “He gets up every day and thinks how can I help other people.”
Congressman Maloney referred to Mrs. Larkin as “an incredibly accomplished and good looking Democrat.” And James Delviscio, who served as master of ceremonies, cited Pat Larkin’s career as a teacher in the Newburgh school system.
Throughout the speeches the two guests of honor held hands like newlyweds. When it was their turn to address the audience, Mrs. Larkin let her husband do the talking.
“I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” he said, “to have the best partner and to know you as friends…. It’s been an honor to work with Bill Kaplan,”
The senator then reverted back to his military days. “Do we move forward?” he asked the audience. The people responded “yes,” but they weren’t loud enough. So the senator had them say it again with enthusiasm.
