LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael J. Brooks, Jr. upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Service Care
Award by Counseling Care and Services, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Michael J.
Brooks, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
2011 Distinguished Service Care Award by Counseling Care and Services,
Inc. on Friday, November 4, 2011, at its 8th Annual Reception; and
WHEREAS, Each year, in the City of Cohoes, New York, Counseling Care
and Services, Inc. honors two outstanding people by presenting them with
a Care Award in recognition of their unique contributions to its commu-
nity; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Brooks, Jr. is being recognized for his loving,
energetic and timeless giving of self for the Cohoes community; and
WHEREAS, Michael Brooks, Jr. was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and
moved to Van Schaick Island, Cohoes, New York, shortly after his father
died at the age of 41; and
WHEREAS, Michael Brooks, Jr. attended the Sacred Heart School in
Cohoes and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in Albany; he is
the co-founder of Cohoes Caretakers, a civic organization that works for
the betterment of Cohoes and its citizens; and
WHEREAS, Michael Brooks, Jr. served as the Executive Director and
Secretary of the Cohoes Housing Authority from 1996-1999, during which
time he advanced Cohoes housing to "High Performer" status; he chaired
the City of Cohoes's 125th Anniversary Celebration, and is co-Founder
and President of the Cohoes Youth Boxing Club; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Michael Brooks, Jr. has also served on the Board
of Directors of the Cohoes Chamber of Commerce, the Business Council of
Cohoes, the Cohoes Community Action Program, and the Rotary Club of
Cohoes, to name a few; and
WHEREAS, A true lover and advocate for the City of Cohoes, Michael
Brooks, Jr. has been affiliated with the following: the National Share
Organization, a computer professional group; the Cohoes Canal Square
Concert series; lobbying Congress on behalf of Cohoes Public Housing;
the Finance ad Program Committee of the New York State Association of
Renewal and Housing Officials; the Kiwanis Club of Cohoes; and the
Cohoes Youth Bureau; and
WHEREAS, Michael Brooks, Jr. considers one of his most significant and
fulfilling projects that he has participated in to be the Vietnam Heal-
ing Wall, which came to Lansing Park in Cohoes in 2003; and
WHEREAS, Michael Brooks, Jr. retired after serving as an Area Oper-
ations Manager for Verizon (formerly New York Telephone/NYNEX) for thir-
ty years; he is now the owner and operator of Harmony Mills Web Com,
where he designs and maintains web sites for small businesses and non-
profit organizations; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Marie and their chil-
dren, Michael III and Matthew, as well as their grandchildren, Michael
IV, Mason and Sophia, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his
life and rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Michael Brooks, Jr.'s distinguished
record merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative
Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Michael J. Brooks, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation as

recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Service Care Award by Counseling
Care and Services, Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael J. Brooks, Jr.