SR194: SR194 Cumberbatch, Carleen; recognize

This resolution is a ceremonial honor from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recognizes Carleen Cumberbatch, who was named the 2025 Distinguished Older Georgian by the Georgia Council on Aging, an award created in 2003 for people over 70 who have made significant contributions through work or volunteering. The resolution describes her more than 30 years of advocacy for seniors in DeKalb County, including founding the South DeKalb Senior Line Dancers, decades of volunteer work with AARP, service on the Housing Authority of DeKalb County Board of Commissioners as board chair, and roles with the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia Silver Hair Legislature. The Senate resolves to commend her and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send her an official copy of the resolution.

• Formally recognizes and commends Carleen Cumberbatch as the 2025 Distinguished Older Georgian on behalf of the Georgia Senate.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute an official copy of the resolution to Cumberbatch.
• Documents her decades of volunteer service, including founding a senior dance group and working with AARP, the Housing Authority of DeKalb County, and the Atlanta Regional Commission.
• Extends the Senate's best wishes for her future health and happiness.

This resolution directly names and honors Carleen Cumberbatch. It also references DeKalb County senior citizens, the Georgia Council on Aging, AARP, the Housing Authority of DeKalb County, the Atlanta Regional Commission, and the Georgia Silver Hair Legislature, all groups tied to her described volunteer work.

The resolution carries no legal or regulatory effect; it does not change Georgia law, create programs, or spend state funding. Its practical effect is a formal, public statement of appreciation from the Georgia Senate and an official copy of the honor delivered to Cumberbatch.

• The whereas clauses recount Cumberbatch's history, including founding the South DeKalb Senior Line Dancers and volunteering with AARP starting in the 1990s.
• The resolution notes her appointment to the Housing Authority of DeKalb County Board of Commissioners in 2003, where she now serves as board chair.
• It lists additional service on the Atlanta Regional Commission Advisory Committee on Aging since 2001 and the NAHRO Board from 2010 to 2021.
• The resolving clause formally commends her as the 2025 Distinguished Older Georgian and wishes her future health and happiness.
• A final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy of the resolution available to her.

1. 2025-02-18Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-13Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)Primary sponsor
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Russ Goodman (R, SD-008)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)

• senior citizens
• DeKalb County
• legislative honors
• aging services