LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mel Fish upon the occasion of her desig-
nation as recipient of a William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award
by New York State Industries for the Disabled

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
just tribute to those citizens who embody the true American spirit,
demonstrating personal courage and determination; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mel
Fish upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a William B.
Joslin Outstanding Performance Award by New York State Industries for
the Disabled; and
WHEREAS, The annual Joslin Awards Program of the New York State Indus-
tries for the Disabled (NYSID) respectfully acknowledges individuals in
New York communities who strengthen the Preferred Source Program through
jobs well done; and
WHEREAS, Mel Fish, a lifetime resident of Albany, New York, has over-
come innumerable obstacles in her life; suffering from severe
depression, borderline personality disorder and addiction, she has been
committed to recovery for more than 30 years; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to achieving direction, definition, and stability
in her life, Mel Fish began working as a Receptionist at Rehabilitation
Support Services (RSS); during this time, she began discussing other
employment options with RSS' Vocational Support Program; and
WHEREAS, A courier position was available through a NYSID Preferred
Source contract, and upon her application for the position, Mel Fish was
hired as a Courier Driver without hesitation; and
WHEREAS, Mel Fish has served in this position for the past seven
years, and remarkably has learned all of the routes involved with the
various courier contracts at RSS; this makes her an extremely versatile
employee with the ability to cover any position at any time; and
WHEREAS, Due to her strong work ethic, Mel Fish has developed time
management skills, coping skills, communication and personal interaction
skills, as well as problem solving abilities; and
WHEREAS, Punctual and reliable, Mel Fish is very tolerant, patient,
and more than willing to take on new assignments; she embraces the value
of work in the recovery process, and has gained the confidence to be
successful; and
WHEREAS, In the faithful performance of her duties and responsibil-
ities, Mel Fish's ongoing efforts and notable achievements have signif-
icantly contributed to bettering the quality of life in her community;
and
WHEREAS, Mel Fish loves her job and takes great pride in her abili-
ties; her persistence and determination are a true inspiration, and have
earned her the admiration, esteem and affection of her colleagues; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such enduring courage and accomplishment are brought to our
attention, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those
individuals for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mel Fish upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of a
William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award by New York State Indus-
tries for the Disabled; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mel Fish.