LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION recognizing the honorees of the Autism Society of
the Greater Capital Region, New York

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing its
esteemed residents who have distinguished themselves in their community;
and
WHEREAS, The Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, New York,
will honor Sheri Townsend with its Leadership Award and Evelyn DelBrocco
with its Lifetime Contribution Award during its "Unlocking the Possibil-
ities" Gala to be held at the Glen Sanders Mansion on April 20, 2012;
and
WHEREAS, Sheri Townsend earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Person-
nel and Industrial Labor Relations, and in Marketing from Syracuse
University; and
WHEREAS, She is the Founder and CEO of the Spotted Zebra Learning
Center, Inc., an integrated, full-day, state-of-the-art education
program for 3-5 year-olds, including those diagnosed on the autism spec-
trum; and
WHEREAS, Sheri is the loving wife of Scott Townsend and the proud
mother of Shelby, Mackenzie, and Alex; Alex was diagnosed with PDD NOS
at the age of 2, which led Sheri to create the Spotted Zebra Learning
Center; and
WHEREAS, Through her work and dedication at Spotted Zebra and in the
community, she has greatly touched the lives of many children with
autism and has demonstrated the true spirit of the Autism Society's
Leadership Award; and
WHEREAS, Evelyn DelBrocco earned a degree in nursing from Hudson
Valley Community College and is currently a Licensed Practical Nurse at
Mohonasen High School; and
WHEREAS, She is remarkably dedicated to the Autism Society; she served
on its Board from 2004 until 2007, volunteered as Acting Office Manager
from 2007 until 2009, and has co-chaired the Gala Committee for many
years; and
WHEREAS, Evelyn is the proud mother of three children; her oldest
child, Joseph, was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and a half;
and
WHEREAS, Her extraordinary dedication to the Autism Society demon-
strates the true spirit of its Lifetime Contribution Award; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Sheri Townsend and Evelyn DelBrocco upon their well-de-
served recognition from the Autism Society of the Greater Capital
Region, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Sheri Townsend and Evelyn DelBrocco.