Senate Resolution No. 622

BY: Senator BONACIC

HONORING Mr. Willy's Restaurant for nearly a half
century of extraordinary service to the Monticello
community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of businesses
and individuals who generously contribute to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Mr. Willy's Restaurant for nearly a half century of extraordinary
service to the Monticello community; on Saturday, January 28, 2017,
countless community members gathered for a buffet to celebrate the
restaurant's final day of service; and

WHEREAS, In 1968, Bill Sipos opened Bend N Elbow, a seven seat bar
with a back room and kitchen that would later become the renowned Mr.
Willy's Restaurant; and

WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings of no air conditioning, poor
heating and no insulation, Mr. Willy's Restaurant slowly began to grow;
the 1970s saw the promotion of live music and outdoor events; the
installation of a DJ system in its back room coupled with nightly
specials drew students from Sullivan County Community College as well as
the new staff from Community General Hospital; and

WHEREAS, During the 1980s, as the business began to grow, Bill Sipos
made many structural changes, including the addition of the rose room
and the renovation of the bar, kitchen, air conditioning and heating
systems, as well as the introduction of a catering business; and

WHEREAS, With the success of the catering business throughout the
1990s, Mr. Willy's Restaurant began slowly moving ahead with its food
service, providing both on and off premises catering; during this time
of growth, Bill Sipos began giving back to the community, hosting events
for numerous charitable organizations including CASA, the Federation for
the Homeless, RISE, and the Recovery Center; and

WHEREAS, Truly committed to Sullivan County, Bill Sipos founded
Community Unity in 2006, an organization established to break the cycle
of abuse; the same year he was designated as Business Man of the Year by
the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce and received the Community
Service Award from the SYDA Foundation; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Bill Sipos, Mr. Willy's
Restaurant has stood as a beloved establishment which has provided a
friendly, open environment for patrons to collectively gather and share
their thoughts, ideas and life experiences; and

WHEREAS, A true landmark in the Monticello community, Mr. Willy's
Restaurant will always be remembered by the residents of Sullivan County
as a home away from home; and

WHEREAS, The success of Mr. Willy's Restaurant is in direct
correlation to the efforts of Bill Sipos and his wonderful staff, whose
involvement has always been characterized by an impressive commitment,
an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of this renowned business and the community it
served for nearly five decades; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Mr. Willy's Restaurant;
and

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

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mr. Willy's Restaurant for nearly a half century of extraordinary
service to the Monticello community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Bill Sipos.