LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Valley Health Services in Herkimer, New
York, upon the occasion of its 25th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality of life in the communities across this great State of New York
is enriched by the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions of distinction whose singular purpose is the care and welfare of
others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Valley Health Services in Herkimer, New York, upon the occasion of its
25th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, On April 1, 1984, Valley Health Services transitioned from
Herkimer Memorial Hospital and was incorporated in Herkimer, New York as
a 32-bed long-term care facility; and
WHEREAS, In only one year, Valley Health Services went from 16 acute
care patients at Herkimer Memorial Hospital to 64 residents in a long-
term care facility with a waiting list of 74 and the approval for an
expansion and renovation project; and
WHEREAS, By 1988, Valley Health Services was operating with all beds
filled and positive things were being seen from the community; a covered
pavilion was added to the property and a 13-passenger wheelchair acces-
sible van was acquired to allow residents freedom for rides, outings,
restaurant dinners and shopping trips; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing the needs for further expansion, the New York
State Department of Health allowed for an additional 32 beds at Valley
Health Services; by 1991, the new unit was completed on the east side of
the building and adult day health care was also added; and
WHEREAS, Valley Health Services continued to augment the services it
offered over the next few years; out-patient rehabilitation was added in
1997, short-term rehab in 1999, palliative care services in 2001 and
cardiac rehab in 2002; and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by Valley Health Services is in direct
correlation to the efforts of the many individuals who have supported
its development over the years, including Laura O'Donnell, Ethelyn
Copping and Charlotte Szarejko; and
WHEREAS, Equally commendable are the superbly-skilled staff at Valley
Health Services, whose involvement is and has always been characterized
by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompro-
mising standard of excellence in all of their efforts on behalf of the
facility and the population it serves; and
WHEREAS, Steeped in a proud and distinguished history, Valley Health
Services may take just pride in its purposeful growth, as it looks
forward to continuing to serve the health care needs of the community;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when insti-
tutions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Valley Health Services in Herkimer, New York, upon the occasion of
its 25th Anniversary, fully confident that it will continue to enjoy the
sparkling success which has so characterized its past; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Valley Health Services.