LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Janette Clark upon the occasion of her
designation for special recognition by the Hudson Valley Area Labor
Federation on June 17, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend the efforts of individuals who distinguish themselves in service
to the cause of working men and women in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Janette Clark upon the occasion of her designation for special recogni-
tion by the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation at its 10th Annual Labor
Heroes Celebration to be held on Friday, June 17, 2016, at Dutchess
Manor in Beacon, New York; and
WHEREAS, Janette Clark, Social Work Medicaid Caseworker, New York
State Office for People with Development Disabilities (OPWDD), Taconic
DDSO, is the recipient of the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation's 2016
Norma Rae Award; and
WHEREAS, Born in Virginia, Janette Clark moved to Europe as a toddler
and spent time in both Switzerland and England, before her family moved
to Chile, South America, where her mother's influence and the country's
instability helped shape her views on social justice, human rights and
democracy; and
WHEREAS, In June of 1982, after attending Western Connecticut State
University, Janette Clark began her career as a Social Work Medicaid
Caseworker; she continues to find both professional and personal satis-
faction in assisting those with disabilities live richer lives, and has
been a consummate advocate for a very vulnerable population; and
WHEREAS, In 2006, Janette Clark was encouraged by her professional
colleagues to become a Public Employee Federation (PEF) Steward; and
WHEREAS, During the same year, Janette Clark was elected to PEF's
statewide Executive Board representing both Taconic and Hudson Valley
DDSO/RO covering nine counties as well as being appointed a Vice Presi-
dent Delegate to the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation (HVALF); in
2007, she was elected as a HVALF Executive Board Officer, and a Leader
of Taconic's PEF Division 248 where she currently serves as its Presi-
dent; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Janette Clark serves on many Taconic, statewide
OPWDD, and PEF committees such as Labor/Management, Health & Safety,
Work Place Violence, Political Action and Ethics; and
WHEREAS, Known as a passionate advocate for the PEF members she
represents and an ardent protector of their employment, Janette Clark is
also known to be solution driven and a consensus builder; and
WHEREAS, Active in her community, in 1989, Janette Clark co-founded
HANDS (Hope After Neonatal Death through Sharing), a support group at
Vassar Brothers Hospital to assist families who have lost children, and
in 1991, she co-founded COMMAND (Crawford and Montgomery Mobilized
Against New Dumps), a 1000+ member bi-partisan grass roots organization
which stopped Orange County's selection process for a new landfill site;
and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, in 1996, Janette Clark established PEN (Parent
Educational Network), a PTA for students with disabilities in the Pine
Bush CSD where she provides CSE support and advocacy for families pro
bono across the Hudson Valley; she has also been a member/officer of
multiple building PTA's, and in 2001, she helped establish the Pine Bush
Volleyball Club and was the co-Director until 2006; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Mark, and their
three children, Kourtney, Kariann and Kristen, who feel privileged to be
part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
commend Janette Clark upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition by the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation on June 17, 2016;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Janette Clark.