Senate Resolution No. 1468

BY: Senator GRIFFO

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of Presbyterian
Homes & Services

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose purposeful
endeavors serve to enhance the quality of life for the cherished senior
citizens in their communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Presbyterian Homes & Services, to be
celebrated on Thursday, June 1, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Early in 1962, the Utica Presbytery appointed a committee
to investigate the possibility of building a nursing home for elderly
Presbyterians in need of convalescent, rehabilitative and/or nursing
care; and

WHEREAS, The new corporation, Presbyterian Home for Central New
York, Inc., was chartered by the State of New York, and its first
officers were elected on October 16, 1963; the first resident was
admitted on June 1, 1967, and just three days later the formal
dedication of the new 80-bed facility took place; and

WHEREAS, In June of 1966, Sheridan C. Snider was appointed as the
first administrator of Presbyterian Homes & Services; and

WHEREAS, During this time, expansion seemed necessary and in April
of 1971, the Board filed a letter of intent to add 120 beds to the
facility; many obstacles and delays occurred but the board and their
subcommittees pressed on and were able to realize the fruits of their
labors; and

WHEREAS, In 1986, research and planning began to develop a special
needs unit to serve patients with Alzheimer's Disease and other related
dementias; dovetailing with its special needs unit, an adult day health
care program opened in 1988, providing health care services to
individuals who are able to reside in the community; and

WHEREAS, The Cedar Wing of Presbyterian Homes & Services was
officially dedicated as a successfully operating Special
Needs/Alzheimer's Unit on June 1, 1990; the unit was the first of its
kind in Central New York, featuring progressive and innovative
approaches to cognitively impaired residents; and

WHEREAS, On August 1, 1995, the Presbyterian Home Foundation opened
the doors of its newly built Presbyterian Residential Community, a
96-bed adult care community; and


WHEREAS, Presbyterian Homes & Services opened a Parkinson's
Residence in 2001, after review and careful consideration of its
residents with such special needs as Parkinson's disease and other
movement disorders; this residence is one of the first in the nation
located in a skilled nursing facility that serves as a model in the
individual's care and treatment; and

WHEREAS, In addition, on July 26, 2002, the Presbyterian Home
Rehabilitation Center opened and was followed by a dedication ceremony;
and

WHEREAS, Since its humble beginnings, Presbyterian Homes & Services
has grown tremendously from an 80-bed nursing home to a 234-bed
community with special units, an Adult Day Health Care program, and a
short-term rehabilitation program; and

WHEREAS, Also included on the campus of this vital institution is a
Social Day Care program, Wellness Center, Presbyterian Residential
Community, and the Meadows at Middle Settlement, a 149 unit independent
living apartment complex; and

WHEREAS, Today, serving more than 600 people daily, Presbyterian
Homes & Services has been a leader in providing high quality and
compassionate care to its senior community for the five decades; and

WHEREAS, The success of Presbyterian Homes & Services is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its staff, whose involvement is, and
always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Presbyterian Homes & Services; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Presbyterian Homes & Services.