Senate Resolution No. 1276

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Thomas Nelson upon the occasion of his
retirement after 32 years of distinguished service
to the New York State School for the Deaf

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Thomas Nelson upon the occasion of his retirement after 32 years of
distinguished service to the New York State School for the Deaf; he
officially retired on February 21, 2021; and

WHEREAS, To celebrate this extraordinary professional, a retirement
party will be held in his honor on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at the
Delta Lake Inn, in Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, In his capacity as a Childcare Aid and Coach, Thomas Nelson
served with loyalty, honor and distinction, rendering faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to the New York State School for the
Deaf; during his tenure, he earned the admiration, esteem and affection
of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, In his official acts, Thomas Nelson was governed by a keen
sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; and

WHEREAS, An active member of his community, Thomas Nelson was a
basketball coach for 30 years coaching at the Rome public schools,
catholic schools, and the summer recreational program in Rome, as well
as having his own sports traveling team program, "Spangles"; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Nelson also coached for the Rome Select Boys'
Basketball program; in 2011, he was inducted into the Rome Sports Hall
of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Thomas Nelson was an officer for the William
A. Valentine League Girls Basketball program and a volunteer worker at
the Rome YMCA where he received the 2015 Volunteer of the Year Award; he
also won the 2014 Lambda Kappa Mu Sorority Alpha Theta Chapter Award for
his services in the community; and

WHEREAS, Thomas Nelson is the founder of the Rome Black History
Month Storytime which is held annually at the Jervis Public Library in
Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, In his free time, Thomas Nelson enjoys keeping up with the
yardwork, and often helps his neighbors with their yards; he also likes
to read, especially autobiographies from notable people in sports and
politics; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and

sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Thomas Nelson upon the occasion of his retirement after 32 years
of distinguished service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Thomas Nelson.