LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Michael Bersani upon the occasion
of his designation for special recognition as recipient of the Citizen
of the Year Award by the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Michael Bersani upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition as recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award by the Geneva
Area Chamber of Commerce; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated at
the organization's annual Citizen of the Year Dinner, to be held on
Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at the Geneva Country Club in Geneva, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Given annually for the past 44 years, the Citizen of the Year
Award by the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce is presented to an individ-
ual who has unselfishly given to the community, and who has created a
more dignified, unique place in which to work and live; and
WHEREAS, The Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to present its
2009 Citizen of the Year Award to Michael Bersani, who has made
outstanding contributions to his community through his numerous volun-
teer efforts to many committees and organizations in the Geneva, New
York area; and
WHEREAS, Michael Bersani of Michaels and Smolak Trial Lawyers in
Auburn, New York, has served on the Board of Directors of Farm Workers'
Legal Services of New York since 1998, and has been instrumental in the
success of this organization's efforts to provide free legal services to
underserved agricultural workers in the area; and
WHEREAS, Proud of his commitment to the Geneva Hispanic community,
Michael Bersani's home is a beacon to Spanish-speaking immigrants seek-
ing legal services; he has provided free assistance to many local farm
workers, including much needed and appreciated counsel on buying or
renting homes or apartments, securing grant applications, completing
immigration forms, responding to traffic and parking tickets, and
obtaining workers' compensation benefits; and
WHEREAS, Michael Bersani has also assisted Spanish-speaking workers
and family members held at the Batavia immigration detention center; in
addition, he and his wife have provided free English classes to Hispanic
immigrants and coordinated winter coat drives that generate between 500
to 1,000 coats to migrant workers from Mexico, Guatemala and elsewhere;
and
WHEREAS, Since 1998, Michael Bersani has served on the Board of Direc-
tors of the Auburn YMCA, and is currently its President; he has also
served as Chair of the Geneva Human Rights Commission and has been a
member of the St. Peter's Community Art Academy, as well as on the Board
of the Child Care Council of the Finger Lakes; and
WHEREAS, Currently Vice-Chair of the Board of the Boys and Girls Club
of Geneva, Michael Bersani's commitment to the youth of the community
goes beyond committee work, meetings and fundraisers; he has organized
regular ice-skating and swimming activities for club members; and
WHEREAS, A 1977 graduate of the University of Colorado, Michael Bersa-
ni spent seven years teaching English in Spain and France before earning
a Master's degree in Spanish from Middlebury College in 1989; in 1993,
he graduated from the Syracuse University School of Law; and

WHEREAS, Michael Bersani is married to Alejandra Molina; together they
are the proud parents of two sons, Sebastian and Nicolas, and reside in
Geneva, New York; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Michael Bersani has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Michael Bersani has displayed
throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Michael Bersani upon the occasion of his designation as the
recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award by the Geneva Area Chamber of
Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael Bersani, Geneva, New York.