LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Chartwells at Bard College upon the
occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2009 Business of the
Year Award by Abilities First, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions which devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Chartwells at Bard College upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the 2009 Business of the Year Award by Abilities First,
Inc., to be celebrated on Friday, April 24, 2009, in Poughkeepsie, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Abilities First is an organization which provides vocational,
educational, residential and clinical services to over 2,000 of its
neighbors with disabilities throughout the Mid-Hudson Area; this year's
theme is "Breaking News"; and
WHEREAS, Abilities First, Inc. (REHAB Programs, Inc. at that time) and
Chartwells Dining Services entered into a relationship at Bard College
in August of 1998; since then it has grown into a partnership where
participants can feel supported as they receive vocational training from
Abilities Firsts' Integrated Employment Services staff; the main reason
for this positive growth is due to the patient and caring support of
Chas Cerulli, Director of Dining Services; and
WHEREAS, During the first few months of the partnership between Abili-
ties First and Chartwells, there were some difficult times where the
association was in question; however after some time with the support
and direction from Chas Cerulli, the work crew at Bard was able to
become one of the most efficient and well organized groups in the whole
integrated employment program; Bard then became a model work site that
staff and participants sought to work because of its organization and
support of Chartwells' management; and
WHEREAS, Since August of 1998, Chartwells has created, supported and
made it possible for 110 different individuals with disabilities to
realize their dreams of being valued members of the working community;
Chas Cerulli and his assistants regard the participants and staff from
Abilities First like family and continue to be key supporters of voca-
tional programs such as integrated employment services at Bard; and
WHEREAS, Chartwells Dining Services, a division of Compass Group PLC,
continues to set the industry standards for food and service excellence
by combining fresh ideas with the industry's greatest talents; it has
forged a winning partnership with Bard College to enhance the student
collegiate experience; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions and institutions of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, 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 Chartwells at Bard College upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the 2009 Business of the Year Award by Abilities First,
Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Chas Cerulli, Director of Dining Services.