Assembly Resolution No. 222

BY: M. of A. Brindisi

COMMENDING Yvonne McClusky upon the occasion of
her retirement after 20 years of distinguished
service to the North Utica Senior Citizens
Recreation Center, Inc.

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Yvonne McClusky upon the occasion of her retirement after 20
years of distinguished service to the North Utica Senior Citizens
Recreation Center, Inc. to be celebrated at a party held in her honor on
Wednesday, March 29, 2017; and

WHEREAS, After graduating from John F. Kennedy High School in 1969,
Yvonne McClusky worked for many years; in 1992, she received her
associate's degree in Human Services from Mohawk Valley Community
College; in 1997, she earned her bachelor's degree in Human Services
Administration from SUNY Empire College; and

WHEREAS, On March 1, 1999, Yvonne McClusky began her distinguished
career as the Executive Director of the North Utica Senior Citizens
Recreation Center; at that time, the Center was located on the corner of
Herkimer and Euclid Roads in a small house, with a senior membership of
269, comparable to other senior centers around the state, and a day care
center providing child care for 25 children Monday-Friday; and

WHEREAS, Yvonne McClusky, however, had a vision for the senior
citizens and children of the Mohawk Valley; through many years of hard
work, along with her dedicated Board of Directors, and a New York State
Dormitory Authority grant, she witnessed the completion of a 12,200
square foot modern community center in 2004; and

WHEREAS, In 2005, the Center welcomed the Oneida/Lewis Arc's day
program, and Yvonne McClusky immersed herself in a three phase project
to add a state-of-the-art fitness center to the new facility; and

WHEREAS, From 2007-2012, Yvonne McClusky diligently worked to expand
programs and services provided by the Center; through her tireless
efforts, several educational and recreational programs were added to the
center's offerings, intergenerational opportunities for seniors were
promoted, the child care capacity was increased to 120 children served
daily, and the senior membership grew to over 1,200 members; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Yvonne McClusky forged and cemented
partnerships with other agencies in the community which shared her
vision and passion for seniors and children; she worked closely with the
Oneida County Office for Aging and Continuing Care and administered the
case management package for the county; and


WHEREAS, Through the Office for the Aging's support, Yvonne McClusky
added an insurance counseling office to the Senior Center, providing
supplemental Medicare and prescription drug counseling on site, and
administering the Fiscal Intermediary Contract; and

WHEREAS, With the guidance of the Family Day Care Association,
Yvonne McClusky implemented a training program for day care providers in
three counties, helping them earn credits and increase their knowledge
in important topics; the Center was also named a community based
organization for the Utica City School District offering free universal
pre-kindergarten for four-year-olds living in Utica; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Yvonne McClusky and her Board of Directors,
installed AgeNet on two large screen televisions streaming medical
information, center programs, events, life stories, and classes as well
as providing a venue for businesses to advertise on; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, Yvonne McClusky finally secured funding through an
anonymous donor, and a Community Foundation Grant, and in December of
2013, the North Utica Fitness Center was opened to the public for the
first time; and

WHEREAS, Yvonne McClusky continually worked to improve the Fitness
Center by adding new machines, evening exercise classes, and seminars
and workshops to further promote a healthy and fit lifestyle; today, the
Fitness Center boasts over 30 machines, has plans for continued
expansion, and is creating exciting new partnerships to increase the
days/hours of operation; and

WHEREAS, After 20 years of devoted service, Yvonne McClusky decided
to retire on March 29, 2017; in her much deserved retirement, she looks
forward to spending more time with her husband, mom, sons,
daughter-in-law, and beautiful granddaughters; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband of 45 years,
Mark, their two sons, and four granddaughters, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her accomplishments;
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
commend Yvonne McClusky upon the occasion of her retirement after 20
years of distinguished service to the North Utica Senior Citizens
Recreation Center, Inc.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Yvonne McClusky.