LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Kenneth C. Skinner, Jr. upon the occa-
sion of receiving the Third Age Achievement Award in the category of
Volunteerism from the Senior Services of Albany Foundation on November
17, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the senior
citizens of the Empire State who, as they reach the fullness of years,
continue to be active and vital participants in the life of their commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Kenneth C. Skinner, Jr. upon the occasion of receiving the Third Age
Achievement Award in the category of Volunteerism from the Senior
Services of Albany Foundation on November 17, 2009; and
WHEREAS, After a career as a social worker that included 29 years as
an Associate Executive Director of the Council of Family and Child
Caring Agencies, a statewide child advocacy organization in New York,
Kenneth C. Skinner, Jr. has taken on a volunteer load that virtually
matches a full-time commitment; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth C. Skinner, Jr. volunteers four days a week at three
elementary schools, North Albany Academy, Thomas O'Brien Academy of
Science and Technology and Brighter Choice Charter School for Boys,
where his responsibilities include working in the classroom and assist-
ing teachers; and
WHEREAS, In 2005, Kenneth C. Skinner, Jr. became enamored with a docu-
mentary film, "Mad Hot Ballroom," which followed 5th grade students
involved in a ballroom dance program at three New York City grammar
schools, focusing on the self-confidence and discipline that ballroom
dance gave to the kids, many of whom were struggling in school; and
WHEREAS, Kenneth C. Skinner, Jr. thought that a similar program could
work at the Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and Technology, and
brought the idea to the principal, who liked the idea and was very
supportive; and
WHEREAS, However, Kenneth C. Skinner, Jr. had to develop the funding
for the program on his own and managed to get it funded through the
Albany Fund for Education, and from there it took right off; in the
three years since it began, more than 150 4th, 5th and 6th grade
students have participated in the Thomas O'Brien Academy of Science and
Technology ballroom dance program, many taking more than one set of
lessons; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Kenneth C. Skinner, Jr. referees high school
track meets and is involved in the Hudson Mohawk Roadrunners Club; he is
also the Treasurer of Trinity Institute, Program Committee Chairman for
the National Association of Social Workers and a board member of Living
resources, an umbrella organization for several developmental disability
programs; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when seniors 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 Kenneth C. Skinner, Jr. upon the occasion of receiving the Third
Age Achievement Award in the category of Volunteerism from the Senior
Services of Albany Foundation on November 17, 2009, and to wish him
continued success in all of his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Kenneth C. Skinner, Jr.