Assembly Resolution No. 372

BY: M. of A. Otis

COMMEMORATING the 90th Anniversary of the Boys &
Girls Club of New Rochelle

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
organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare
of the young people of their community; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Boys & Girls Club of New
Rochelle; and

WHEREAS, For nine decades, the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has
strived to enable all young people, especially those who need it most,
to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible
citizens; and

WHEREAS, The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle provides children a
safe place to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring, adult
professionals, life-enhancing programs and character development
experiences, and most importantly, hope and opportunity; and

WHEREAS, The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle was founded during a
difficult time in America's history; after the stock market crash in
1929, many families fell on hard times, especially the children;
therefore, the community decided to form the Boys' Club in the old
Washington School Building on Union Avenue; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, the Club expanded and grew to meet the
needs of its youth and the community at large; the Remington Clubhouse
began in a home on Winthrop Avenue, and the Remington House was
ultimately built on Guion Place in 1953, as the result of the dedication
and fundraising efforts of the Remington Women's Auxiliary Club and the
Remington Advisory Board; and

WHEREAS, In 1972, through a matching grant from the Charles Hayden
Foundation and a response from the City of New Rochelle, the Women's
Auxiliary and other community members made possible the addition of a
gymnasium, game room, shower and locker room, and office to the existing
building; and

WHEREAS, In the early 1940s, the Club opened the South Side Unit in
the basement of the Old Jefferson School on Weyman Avenue, and in 1983,
it was moved to a new building at 50 Weyman Avenue; in 2006, it
consolidated with the A.E. Mascaro Unit; the Respect Extension was
opened at 570 Fifth Avenue at the MacLeay Apartment Complex in 2001; and

WHEREAS, In 2004, the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle again
expanded to meet the changing needs of the children and youth of New
Rochelle by partnering with the Board of Education to provide after
school programs as part of the 21st Century Program, a federally funded

grant under the No Child Left Behind initiative, at the Isaac E. Young
Middle School; and

WHEREAS, Three years later, through another partnership with Iona
College, the New Rochelle School District and other organizations in the
community, a Youth Empowerment Program, RISE, was established to meet
the needs of middle school children; and

WHEREAS, The partnership with the City School District of New
Rochelle was expanded in 2008, with the Safe Schools grant to provide
programs for teenagers and the SHAPE grant focusing on fitness; in
September of that year, the Club opened its first school-based site at
Trinity Elementary School and shortly after, opened an after school
program at Ward Elementary School; in January of 2013, the Club
partnered with New Rochelle High School to launch an after school
program; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its 90-year history, thousands of kids from all
races and creeds have participated in various Boys & Girls Club programs
and moved on to become responsible, successful adults and community
minded citizens; fortunate to have been a member of this vital club,
many former members have returned to volunteer and serve on its board of
directors; and

WHEREAS, The longevity of the Club is the result of hard work and
dedication by its Executive Director Lutonya Russell-Humes, Board of
Directors, staff and adult associations such as the Remington Men's
Club, Remington Women's Auxiliary, and most notably, its volunteers; and

WHEREAS, Today, the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle serves
approximately 1,200 members a year who have truly benefitted from this
vital organization; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations 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
commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Boys & Girls Club of New
Rochelle; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Lutonya Russell-Humes, Executive Director, the Boys &
Girls Club of New Rochelle.