Senate Resolution No. 210

BY: Senator BRESLIN

CONGRATULATING Art Fruscio upon the occasion of
being named a 2018 honoree by Arsenal City Kids at
its 19th Annual Testimonial Dinner on September 15,
2018

WHEREAS, A great community is only as great as those persons who
provide exemplary service, whether through participation in voluntary
programs, through unique personal achievement in their profession, or
simply through a lifetime of good citizenship; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in the communities across New York
State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Art Fruscio upon the occasion of being named a 2018 honoree
by Arsenal City Kids at its 19th Annual Testimonial Dinner to be held at
the Watervliet Elks Club on Saturday, September 15, 2018; Coach Mike
Deane, a retired Division I basketball coach, will serve as Master of
Ceremonies; and

WHEREAS, Prior to the dinner, Coach Mike Deane will lead his annual
Basketball Clinic at the Watervliet Dome, a free event open to both boys
and girls of all skill levels; and

WHEREAS, Arsenal City Kids, formerly KIDS COUNT!, is a nonprofit
organization which raises funds to enhance the lives of children through
recreational, cultural, and educational programs in Watervliet, New
York, and the Capital Region; and

WHEREAS, Born in Troy, New York, on December 13, 1948, Art Fruscio
was a student at Sacred Heart of Mary Elementary School in Watervliet
from kindergarten until the eighth grade; his Freshman year, he
attending LaSalle Institute in Troy; the following year, he transferred
to Watervliet High School where he graduated with the Class of 1968; and

WHEREAS, During his time at Watervliet High School, Art Fruscio was
elected class president in both his Junior and Senior years; he was also
active in Student Council and was a member of the varsity football,
basketball and baseball teams; and

WHEREAS, After graduation, Art Fruscio attended Hudson Valley
Community College for two years, majoring in Accounting; he went on to
serve his country as a member of the United States Army National Guard
from July of 1969, during the Vietnam War, until he was Honorably
Discharged on June 23, 1975; and

WHEREAS, Art Fruscio married his high school sweetheart and the love
of his life, the former Pamela Holmes, on April 25, 1970; and

WHEREAS, Upon returning home, Art Fruscio first was employed at the
State Bank of Albany for a couple of years; he then worked at Boyd
Printing Company, and then construction as an Ironworker (Local 12) on
the South Mall Project at the Capital in Albany; and

WHEREAS, Ultimately, Art Fruscio went to work for the Albany County
Sheriff's Department at its Correctional Facility where he held numerous
positions including: Correction Officer, Correction Sergeant, Correction
Lieutenant, Correction Captain, and Assistant Superintendent in charge
of security, the title in which he retired on July 5, 2000, after 25
years of dedicated service; and

WHEREAS, In November of 2000, Art Fruscio took part-time employment
with the City of Watervliet as the Grant Coordinator, administering
housing grants to moderate and low income seniors, helping them with
needed repairs to their homes; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, Art Fruscio continued to administer housing
grants but also took on the responsibility of Secretary to the Civil
Service Commission in 2007; presently, he is in his 18th year of working
for the City of Watervliet in the capacity of Civil Service Secretary;
and

WHEREAS, Continuing is love for sports, Art Fruscio played in
several men's basketball leagues as well as high level softball (fast
pitch, medium pitch, and high arch) on several teams within the Capital
Region; and

WHEREAS, For several years, Art Fruscio also coached baseball in
both the CYO for Watervliet Catholic Elementary School and Watervliet
Little League; and

WHEREAS, Giving back to the community he loves is very important to
Art Fruscio; he is a volunteer for several Boards and Committees
including: Committeeman in Watervliet for 25 years, Watervliet Board of
Assessment Review for 16 years, and the Board of Directors with the
Watervliet Civic Center for 16 years; and

WHEREAS, Current, Art Fruscio enjoys playing golf with his grandson
at Van Schaick Country Club, where he has been a member for almost three
decades; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his loving wife, Pamela, with him throughout
have been his two devoted children, Scott and Stacey, and three
wonderful grandchildren, twins, Jeffrey and Madison, and Elizabeth, who
have all shown him love and support and rejoice in his many
achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals 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
congratulate Art Fruscio upon the occasion of being named a 2018 honoree
by Arsenal City Kids at its 19th Annual Testimonial Dinner on September
15, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Art Fruscio.