LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Raymond L. Garrett upon the occasion of
his retirement after 34 years of distinguished service to Presbyterian
Homes and Services

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals
whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stat-
ure of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Raymond L. Garrett upon the occasion of his retirement after 34 years of
distinguished service to Presbyterian Homes and Services, to be cele-
brated at a Retirement Reception on Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at the
Yahnundasis Golf Club in New Hartford, New York; and
WHEREAS, Raymond L. Garrett is a licensed New York State Nursing Home
Administrator and holds a master's degree in Health Services Adminis-
tration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration; and
WHEREAS, Raymond Garrett began his career serving the elderly in 1970,
at the Masonic Home as Personal Director and later as Assistant Adminis-
trator; he joined the Presbyterian Home in 1977; and
WHEREAS, For the past 34 years, Raymond L. Garrett rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to Presbyterian Homes and Services;
and
WHEREAS, In his capacity as Executive Director/CEO, Raymond L. Garrett
has served with loyalty, honor and distinction; and
WHEREAS, Under Raymond L. Garrett's luminous leadership, Presbyterian
Home and Services has grown considerably from the 80-bed nursing facili-
ty and Meadows complex's 149 independent living apartments, which
existed when he arrived; and
WHEREAS, Raymond L. Garrett has overseen the growth of the skilled
nursing facility, now with 242-beds offering several specialized
services and programs; the facility currently employs approximately 500
people and serves over 600 on-campus residents, as well as provides
out-patient services to almost 100 individuals per day; and
WHEREAS, In 1988, Raymond L. Garrett was instrumental in transforming
a skilled nursing unit into a Special Needs Residence for individuals
with Alzheimer's and other dementias, one of the first of its kind in
Central New York; and
WHEREAS, That same year, Raymond L. Garrett recognized an opportunity
to further serve the community's unmet need by opening a medical Adult
Day Health Care program; and
WHEREAS, In 1995, Raymond L. Garrett was instrumental in the opening
of the Presbyterian Residential Community which offered many opportu-
nities for improving the quality of life and services to all individuals
on the campus; and
WHEREAS, In response to the need for rehabilitation services for the
elderly in his community, Raymond L. Garrett spearheaded the
construction of the Presbyterian Rehabilitation Center in 2001, which
provides a full range of out-patient services, as well as an in-patient
program; and
WHEREAS, In 2002, Presbyterian Home identified the need to provide
care and services to individuals with Parkinson's disease and other
Movement Disorders; Raymond L. Garrett embraced this need and the Pres-
byterian Home opened the first specialized Parkinson's residence in the
nation located in a skilled nursing facility; and
WHEREAS, The following year, Raymond L. Garrett 's interest in the
wellness concept prompted the development of the Wellness Center for the
Residential Community; and

WHEREAS, A valued and involved member of his community, Raymond L.
Garrett served in the New York State National Guard from January 1967 to
January 1973; he is a member of Fort Plain Lodge 433 Free and Accepted
Masons, a 30-year member of Shenandoah Club and member of the New Hart-
ford Rotary Club, to name a few; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Susan, and their two
sons, John and Greg, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his
life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, In his official acts, Raymond L. Garrett was governed by a
keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems;
and
WHEREAS, During his tenure with Presbyterian Homes and Services,
Raymond L. Garrett earned the admiration, esteem and affection of his
colleagues; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Raymond L. Garrett upon the occasion of his retirement after 34
years of distinguished service to Presbyterian Homes and Services; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Raymond L. Garrett.