LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mercedes Ruiz upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition after many years of dedicated commu-
nity service

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mercedes Ruiz
upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition after many
years of dedicated community service, and to extend to her best wishes
for a Happy 91st Birthday; and
WHEREAS, Growing up on the Lower East Side and the Bronx, New York,
Mercedes Ruiz attended Wadleigh High School; and
WHEREAS, Prior to getting married and raising her one daughter, Patri-
cia, Mercedes Ruiz served as Executive Secretary to the Governor of
Puerto Rico; in addition, she was the first female Sub Secretary of the
Senate in Puerto Rico in Tourism and Hotel Management, and even worked
for a small airline, where she took flying lessons in a DC-5; and
WHEREAS, Mercedes Ruiz, now a grandmother and a great-grandmother,
retired to the 175 Eldridge Street Senior Building on the Lower East
since 1988; while there, she established an art program for the children
of the University Settlement After School Program, actively participated
in its Foster Grandparent Program, and has served as its Tenant Associ-
ation President since 1999; and
WHEREAS, During her six terms as President, Mercedes Ruiz generously
shared her leadership advice and wisdom with the residents on ways to
combat elder abuse as well as drug trafficking issues and other serious
problems; and
WHEREAS, Mercedes Ruiz was also instrumental in creating a breakfast
program, a food and nutrition program, a weekly exercise program, a
weekly visiting nurse service, garden enhancement, and a bereavement
fund in her role as President of the Tenant Association; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Mercedes Ruiz has served on the New York City Hous-
ing Authority's Resident Advisory Board and its Manhattan South Council
of Presidents; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable woman has coordinated outings and activities
for the residents of the building, such as arts and crafts, game nights,
cultural and holiday celebrations, visits to local cultural insti-
tutions, and trips to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Atlantic City, New
Jersey; and
WHEREAS, Mercedes Ruiz was successful in raising the funds necessary
to continue the rich array of programming through sweepstakes raffles,
Sunday bingo, cake sales, a Penny Campaign, and a flea market; and
WHEREAS, By following her four chief principles, family, friendship,
faith and fortitude, Mercedes Ruiz has shown the courage and compassion
for others in creating a harmonious and neighborly environment, nurtur-
ing a strong sense of family amongst residents, and instilling pride in
the building her fellow residents call home; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the wellbeing and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mercedes Ruiz upon the occasion of her designation for special

recognition after many years of dedicated community service; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mercedes Ruiz.