Senate Resolution No. 1752

BY: Senator RATH

HONORING Raymond Skaine upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Volunteer of the
Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce on
March 3, 2022

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those distinguished citizens who would devote their life's work
and purpose to community service, contributing to the welfare of the
citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Raymond Skaine upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Volunteer of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce, to be
celebrated at its 49th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 3, 2022,
at Samuel's Grande Manor in Clarence, New York; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Skaine is receiving this prestigious award for his
steadfast and unremitting commitment to his beloved community of
Clarence; and

WHEREAS, Raymond Skaine moved to Buffalo, New York, when his father
was transferred from Pennsylvania; he attended Bennett and Kensington
High Schools where he participated in both football and track; in his
junior and senior years, he earned the honor of All-High in both sports;
and

WHEREAS, In addition to being a student-athlete, Raymond Skaine
volunteered his time serving on the Projection Team as a Guidance
Monitor and as President of his Delaware HI-Y; and

WHEREAS, After graduating, Raymond Skaine earned a scholarship to
the University of Buffalo where he was a member of the 1958 Lambert Cup
Football Team; and

WHEREAS, Unfortunately, in the Spring of 1959, Raymond Skaine was
injured and declared medically unfit to play; in the Fall of 1959, he
enlisted in the United States Army, taking advantage of the RFA Act; and

WHEREAS, In 1960, Raymond Skaine married the former Sandra Markham
and they moved to Snyder, New York; and

WHEREAS, While employed by Bliss and Laughlin, Raymond Skaine was
transferred to Connecticut in 1965; two years later, he accepted a
position with Predco and returned to Western New York, settling in
Clarence; in 1972, he completed his studies at the University at Buffalo
and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Science; and

WHEREAS, Raymond and Sandra Skaine were blessed with three children,
Tracey, Rebecca and Lincoln, all of whom attended Clarence schools which
led them to become involved in the Harris Hill PTO; and

WHEREAS, Raymond and his wife served as co-President for a number of
years and were involved in many school activities; as the children grew,
Raymond began coaching the girls' softball team as well as the boys'
baseball team in the town recreation program; he was also active in the
Football Fathers of Clarence; and

WHEREAS, The Skaine Family became members of Clarence United
Methodist Church and Raymond served on many committees, including
Trustees and Staff Pastor Relations; he also taught Sunday School and
served as the Sunday School Superintendent; he remains active by singing
in the choir and is a greeter on Sunday morning; and

WHEREAS, In 1979, Raymond Skaine was elected to the Clarence Central
School Board of Education, where he served until 1988; many community
issues were resolved during this period; and

WHEREAS, In 1995, Raymond Skaine was appointed to the Zoning Board
of Appeals (ZBA), serving as Chairman for three years until he left in
2008; he was once again appointed to the ZBA in 2020 and is currently
serving as a member; and

WHEREAS, After retiring in 2003, Raymond Skaine began volunteering
for Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to those in need; this year marks
his 14th year with the program; and

WHEREAS, It was also after retiring that he became involved in the
Clarence Concert Association serving as a liaison between the Clarence
schools and the Town Park; furthermore, he spent 10 years as a volunteer
for Habitat for Humanity; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence 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
honor Raymond Skaine upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Volunteer of the Year Award by the Clarence Chamber of Commerce;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Raymond Skaine.