LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Raymond Albert Lewandowski upon the
occasion of celebrating 40 years of dedicated service to the Madison
Cortland Chapter NYSARC, Inc.

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
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 honor
Raymond Albert Lewandowski upon the occasion of celebrating 40 years of
dedicated service to the Madison Cortland Chapter NYSARC, Inc.; this
auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Friday, October 12, 2012, at
the Kallet Civic Center in Oneida, New York; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Heidelberg College, Raymond "Ray" Albert Lewan-
dowski began his career with the Madison County ARC in 1972; he was
hired as a direct care professional to assist people with intellectual
and other developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Two years after his initial employment, at the age of 25, Ray
Lewandowski was promoted to Executive Director of the Madison County
ARC; and
WHEREAS, Ray Lewandowski has led the Madison County ARC, now known as
Madison Cortland ARC, through many decades of positive growth and
change; today, it provides services to over 1,000 individuals with disa-
bilities in both Madison and Cortland counties; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Ray Lewandowski served on the New York State
Rehabilitation Association Board of Directors and as President and
Regional Representative for NYSARC's Executive Director Association; and
WHEREAS, Ray Lewandowski has also served as President of the New York
State Industries for the Disabled Association and President of the
Building Futures Foundation, as well as serving on the Governor's
Provider Council for the Disabled; he continues to provide support and
leadership to other groups attempting to elevate socially deprived
groups to a more favorable position in our society; and
WHEREAS, During his distinguished career, Raymond Albert Lewandowski
has advocated for thousands of people whose voices were silent; he has
dedicated his life and career to helping people who face challenges and
teaching them skills of empowerment; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Raymond Albert Lewan-
dowski 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 Raymond Albert Lewandowski has
displayed throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Raymond Albert
Lewandowski; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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 Raymond Albert Lewandowski upon the occasion of celebrating 40
years of dedicated service to the Madison Cortland Chapter NYSARC, Inc.;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Raymond Albert Lewandowski.