LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Rita A. Cousino upon the occasion of her
designation by the Zonta Club of Albany as the recipient of its 2011
Zontian of the Year Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations
and individuals who devote themselves to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Rita
A. Cousino upon the occasion of her designation by the Zonta Club of
Albany as the recipient of its 2011 Zontian of the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, The Zonta Club of Albany will proudly present the esteemed
Zontian of the Year Award to Rita A. Cousino at its June Dinner Meeting,
to be held at Wolfert's Roost Country Club in Albany, New York on
Wednesday, June 8, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a global organization
of executives and professionals working together to advance the status
of women worldwide through service and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, Zontians all over the world volunteer their time, talents and
support to local and international service projects, as well as scholar-
ship programs in keeping with Zonta's mission and objectives; and
WHEREAS, Chartered in 1929, the Zonta Club of Albany is the local
affiliate of Zonta International; its members are executives, business-
women and professionals who are leaders and decision makers and who want
to have an impact on advancing the status of women and children locally
and worldwide; and
WHEREAS, Each month members meet to socialize, to conduct the business
of the organization, to support the goals of Zonta International and to
develop and implement local projects which benefit Capital Region women
and children; and
WHEREAS, Each year the Zonta Club of Albany, in addition, honors an
individual who works diligently on behalf of its mission and worthy
endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Rita A. Cousino, a retired Senior Vice President and Finan-
cial Investment Advisor at Key Trust, truly merits her designation as
the recipient of the Zonta Club of Albany's prestigious 2011 Zontian of
the Year Award; and
WHEREAS, Rita A. Cousino joined Zonta International in 1979 and has
served the Zonta Club of Albany with distinction as President, Vice
President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director, Membership Chair, Service
Chair, and Historian and as Chair of many other committees for 32 years,
during which she has exemplified the Club's mission of community and
international service; and
WHEREAS, Rita A. Cousino has continued the Zonta Club of Albany's
81-year tradition of giving back to the people of the area, an effort
replicated by 31,000 Zonta members in 1,200 clubs in 65 countries around
the world; and
WHEREAS, Rita A. Cousino continues to support the many programs with
which the Zonta Club of Albany is affiliated including The Next Step,
the Capital City Rescue Mission's New Faith Family Center, Dr. Robert
Paeglow's Koinonia Primary Care Clinic, the Equinox Domestic Violence
Shelter, Mercy House, St. Paul's Center, the Albany Memorial Hospital
Chapel, and The Legal Project; and

WHEREAS, Rita A. Cousino has also ably served as Zonta International
District 2's Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Area I Director, and as a
member of its Leadership and Development Committees; and
WHEREAS, Rita A. Cousino has served as well as a Member of the Zonta
International Nominating Committee and as the Vice Chairman of the
International Classification Committee, North America; and
WHEREAS, Rita A. Cousino also generously provides many hours of volun-
teer service to Schuyler Inn projects which benefit many; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishment are brought to our attention,
they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rita A. Cousino upon the occasion of her designation by the Zonta
Club of Albany as the recipient of its 2011 Zontian of the Year Award on
June 8, 2011; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rita A. Cousino.