The New York State Senate

J3812

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Patrick Hilt upon the occasion of
receiving the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, the most prestigious of
Scouting honors, on December 12, 2015

WHEREAS, Patrick Hilt, through his diligence and rigorous efforts, has
achieved Scouting's highest and most prestigious rank, Eagle Scout; the
Eagle Court of Honor ceremony was held on December 12, 2015, at the
Colonie Village Family Recreation Center, Colonie, New York; and
WHEREAS, Patrick Hilt is a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 278,
Colonie, New York; and
WHEREAS, America has achieved her greatest heights of glory through
the dedication, determination and tireless efforts of the outstanding
citizens of this Nation; and
WHEREAS, It is only with the continued diligence and devotion of our
youth, tomorrow's leaders, that America will maintain her glory; and
WHEREAS, The Boy Scouts of America and its members are dedicated to
the development of character and leadership in the youth of this Nation;
and
WHEREAS, The highest achievement of leadership in Scouting, earned by
only five percent of all Boy Scouts, is the distinguished rank of Eagle
Scout; and
WHEREAS, This outstanding young man has been involved in Scouting for
many years, has lived up to Scouting's ideals and has attained all of
the necessary achievements, including completion of a community service
project, which was successfully planned, developed and executed; and
WHEREAS, For his project, Patrick Hilt refurbished the courtyard at
Forest Park Elementary School; he successfully guided his fellow troop
members in the installation of a tree surround bench, picnic tables, and
benches along the walkway, as well as a redesign of the school's
gardens; and
WHEREAS, Patrick Hilt's perseverance in rising through the ranks to
Eagle Scout is a strong indication of his ability to master difficult
tasks; his accomplishment will enable him to emerge as a leader, fully
equipped to meet the challenges of today's complex society; and
WHEREAS, This new Eagle Scout is a credit to his family, his school,
his community, his State and his Nation, and no doubt his future will be
filled with accomplishments of equal importance; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations, in
recognition of the significance of this meritorious achievement, to
congratulate and honor Patrick Hilt on achieving the rank of Eagle
Scout; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Patrick Hilt.

J3811

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Richard Garrison upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Mona Ruth Brickman Artist of the
Year Award by the Albany Center Gallery

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to honor and recog-
nize those individuals whose commitment and creative talents contribute
to the cultural enrichment of their communities and of the entire State
of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Richard Garrison upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Mona Ruth Brickman Artist of the Year Award by the Albany Center
Gallery celebrated at its Annual Winter Gala on November 21, 2015; and
WHEREAS, The esteemed Artist of the Year Award, re-established in
2012, is presented in memory of Mona Ruth Brickman, a beloved supporter
of the arts and the Albany Center Gallery; and
WHEREAS, Richard Garrison received his Bachelor of Science degree in
Studio Art from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, and a
Master of Fine Arts in Painting from Cornell University in Ithaca, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Richard Garrison is a lifelong accomplished artist who is
known for being a strong supporter of the arts and his community; and
WHEREAS, This talented artist's work has been exhibited nationally and
internationally, and his work has been shown at numerous venues, includ-
ing: University at Albany Art Museum, Albany, New York; Elmhurst Art
Museum, Elmhurst, Illinois; Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art,
North Adams, Massachusetts; VOLTA10, a renowned art fair for new and
emerging art, which debuted in Basel, Switzerland; and the Queens Museum
of Art, Queens, New York; and
WHEREAS, Richard Garrison, whose art work is represented by Robert
Henry Contemporary in Brooklyn, New York, currently maintains a studio
in Delmar, New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals who add strength, vigor and inspiration to the
cultural diversity and quality of life in the communities of the State
of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is most fitting that we take time to celebrate the arts of
our Nation, to honor our artists, and to express our appreciation to
everyone who patronizes the arts; and as we celebrate the arts, we cele-
brate and give thanks to our American freedom, the only atmosphere in
which artists can truly create and in which art is truly the expression
of the soul; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Richard Garrison upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Mona Ruth Brickman Artist of the Year Award by the Albany Center
Gallery; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard Garrison.

J3810

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Daniel J. Flanagan, Sr. posthumously
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by Albany
County at its Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony on March 7, 2016

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York, who
have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country's
freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peace-
time, deserve a special salute; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend those
who have served in times of active conflict, as well as those who have
served in times of peace; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Daniel J. Flanagan, Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his desig-
nation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Veteran
Ceremony to be celebrated on Monday, March 7, 2016, at the Joseph E.
Zaloga Post in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Daniel J. Flanagan, Sr. was born on May 4, 1930, in Woodside,
New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1949, Daniel J. Flanagan, Sr. enlisted as a member of the
United States Marine Corps where he served as an Aviation Machinist Mate
Class A with the All Weather Fighter Squadron 531, 2nd Marine Aircraft
Wing, where he earned his FMF pin; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous decorations for his outstanding
military service, Daniel J. Flanagan was presented with the Presidential
Citation for Military Service, and Good Conduct Medal; and
WHEREAS, Daniel J. Flanagan completed his military service at the
esteemed rank of sergeant, and returned to civilian life in 1955; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to serving his community, Daniel J. Flanagan volun-
teered for many years as a Pop Warner Football Coach and Little League
Baseball Coach, as well as a Cameraman for the Hudson Valley Community
College Football Team; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Daniel J. Flanagan, Sr. is
survived by his five children, Tracy, Kathleen (James), Michael, Daniel
Jr., and Gregory; and his two sisters, Kathleen and Ellen; and
WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and
WHEREAS, Having exhibited their patriotism both at home and abroad,
these men and women demonstrated their love for their country and merit
forevermore, the highest respect of their State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended and
thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and for
their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Daniel J. Flanagan, Sr. posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Albany County at its Honor-A-Vet-
eran Ceremony on March 7, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Daniel J. Flanagan, Sr.

J3809

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Russ Vantervoort upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition after 50 years of dedicated
service to the Waterford Fire Department

WHEREAS, The firefighters of New York State are renowned throughout the
Nation; their reputation is synonymous with excellence in the arduous
field of fire protection and prevention; and
WHEREAS, Since the early days of "teapot steamers," the volunteer
firefighter has been the cornerstone of our great Nation's efforts to
spare us from the ravages of fire; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to commend Russ Vantervoort
upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition after 50
years of dedicated service to the Waterford Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure at the Waterford Fire Department, Russ
Vantervoort has held numerous leadership positions including 2nd Lieu-
tenant from 1975-1977, 1st Lieutenant from 1978-1979, and Captain from
1980-1987, as well as Department Training Officer, Safety Officer, and
Fire Investigator; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he served as both President and Secretary of the
J.W. Ford Hose Co. No. 2, Waterford Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, In 1974, Russ Vantervoort and Bob Stark proudly organized the
Fire Prevention Program of the Waterford Fire Department; Russ continued
his involvement in this vital Program for over 26 years; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Fire Prevention Program has grown to teach fire
prevention to children in grades Pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade,
and also incorporated an Open House presentation at the Fire House so
that the children of Waterford and their families can observe live
demonstrations and learn more on the dangers of fire and how to be safe;
and
WHEREAS, Along with his role at the Waterford Fire Department, Russ
Vantervoort served as a Village Trustee for 12 years; he also partic-
ipated on the Saratoga County Volunteer Fireman's Association, and held
the position of President of the Hudson Mohawk Valley Volunteer Fire-
man's Association; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Russ Vantervoort held the title of Chairman of
both the Saratoga County Fire Advisory Board of Directors, and the
Hudson Valley Volunteer Fireman's Association Legislative Committee; and
WHEREAS, Proud of his role as a Firefighter, Russ Vantervoort wrote a
book about the history of the Hudson Valley Volunteer Fireman's Associ-
ation entitled 100 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE; and
WHEREAS, Volunteer firefighters and fire departments not only provide
the critical service of fire protection but also engage in other activ-
ities of great benefit and importance to the communities they serve; and
WHEREAS, It takes a special dedication, a strong desire to help others
and a tireless sense of community to forsake precious time with family
and friends to respond to the signal that a neighbor is in need; Russ
Vantervoort is such a firefighter; throughout 50 years of devoted
service, this volunteer heroically performed, above and beyond the call
of duty, those responsibilities which define the task of fire
protection; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Firefighter Russ Vantervoort for 50 years of distinguished
service; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Russ Vantervoort.

J3808

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Balti-
more Woods Nature Center of Marcellus, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
acknowledge those environmental education organizations within our midst
that have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of the Baltimore Woods Nature Center of
Marcellus, New York, to be celebrated with an Art Exhibit to be on
display from January through February of 2016; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of its 50 years of service to the environment,
the Baltimore Woods Nature Center is holding an art exhibit, entitled
"John A Weeks: A Retrospective Exhibit," featuring works by John A.
Weeks of Baldwinsville, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Baltimore Woods Nature Center, located on 180 acres of
land off of Bishop Hill Road in Marcellus, New York, was originally
formed as Onondaga Nature Centers on May 6, 1966, when a group of State
University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental Science and
Forestry professors, along with some prominent community members, sought
a way to connect the people of Central New York with its spectacular
nature; and
WHEREAS, In 2008, members of the Board of Directors voted to adopt the
name change to Baltimore Woods Nature Center, a name which reflects the
legend that the first owner of the land sent his livestock to Baltimore
for slaughtering; and
WHEREAS, The Baltimore Woods Nature Center became a key player in the
growth of the Beaver Lake Nature Center of Baldwinsville and the Cayuga
Nature Center in Ithaca, New York; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Baltimore Woods Nature Center employs 10 full-time
staff members and is serviced by many additional volunteers, all of whom
are dedicated to connecting people with nature; and
WHEREAS, For the past 50 years, the Baltimore Woods Nature Center has
served as one of the area's premier locations for educational and recre-
ational programs for the community; for 13 years, the exemplary Nature
in the City Program has connected students of the Syracuse City and
Auburn City School Districts with hands-on lessons of natural science;
and
WHEREAS, The Baltimore Woods Nature Center also provides six miles of
trails for the public to use throughout the year; members of the commu-
nity can hike, snow shoe, and enjoy the picturesque views of woodlands,
fields and streams; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Executive Director Mary Kate
Intaglietta, the Baltimore Woods Nature Center can look back with pride
on its rich history of providing excellent service to the community, and
it can look forward to carrying on its mission for many years to come;
and
WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon all citizens to recognize and applaud
the efforts of organizations such as the Baltimore Woods Nature Center
which works tirelessly on behalf of protecting our natural surroundings
for the benefit of present and future generations of New Yorkers; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Baltimore Woods Nature Center of
Marcellus, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mary Kate Intaglietta, Executive Director, the Baltimore
Woods Nature Center.

J3807

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John Riley upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Sister Maureen Joyce Distinguished
Service Award by the Sister Maureen Joyce Center on February 9, 2016

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 honor John
Riley upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Sister
Maureen Joyce Distinguished Service Award by the Sister Maureen Joyce
Center to be celebrated at its 4th Annual Dinner at Century House,
Latham, New York, on Tuesday, February 9, 2016; and
WHEREAS, The Sister Maureen Joyce Distinguished Service Award is given
annually to persons, organizations, and businesses which have demon-
strated commitment to the spirit of the Sister Maureen Joyce Center
through their outreach or advocacy on behalf of the poor and vulnerable;
and
WHEREAS, The Sister Maureen Joyce Center is a collaborative project
between Catholic Charities, Blessed Sacrament Parish, the Ladies of
Charity, and Congregation Beth Emeth, which provides members of its
community with basic necessities such as food, health care, and mentor-
ing services for young people; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Albany, New York, John Riley attended
Vincentian Institute; after graduation, he earned his bachelor's degree
in Architecture from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, After receiving his degree, John Riley returned to his home-
town to practice his trade; in 1997, he and his partner Dick Hoffman
founded the firm of Hoffman & Riley, Architects; and
WHEREAS, John Riley married his wife, Diane, and they happily raised
five children, three of which are also graduates of both Albany Diocese
parochial schools and Catholic Colleges; and
WHEREAS, John Riley and his wife are faithful congregants at Blessed
Sacrament Catholic Church, Albany, New York, where they are proud
participants of the Parish's outreach programs and assist in serving
those who are less fortunate; and
WHEREAS, Together, the couple are actively involved with both the
Wildwood and Living Resources developmental programs which serve the
needs of two of his children; and
WHEREAS, Currently, John Riley serves on the Academy of Holy Names
Board of Directors where he chairs the Facility Committee, and the Alba-
ny Diocesan Architecture and Building Commission, as well as the Blessed
Sacrament Parish Council; and
WHEREAS, John and Diane Riley also volunteer their time and energies
at the Sister Maureen Center; in addition, Hoffman & Riley has been
involved in a number of other diocesan projects including the recently
relocated Bishop Maginn High School; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which John Riley has displayed throughout his
life; 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 John Riley upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Sister Maureen Joyce Distinguished Service Award by the Sister
Maureen Joyce Center on February 9, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John Riley.

J3806

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Poverello Center upon the occasion
of its designation as recipient of the Sister Maureen Joyce Distin-
guished Service Award by the Sister Maureen Joyce Center on February 9,
2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality of life in the communities across this great State of New York
is enriched by the diligence and compassionate commitment of those indi-
viduals and organizations whose singular purpose is the care and welfare
of others; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the Poverello
Center upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the Sister
Maureen Joyce Distinguished Service Award by the Sister Maureen Joyce
Center to be celebrated at its 4th Annual Dinner at Century House,
Latham, New York, on Tuesday, February 9, 2016; and
WHEREAS, The Sister Maureen Joyce Distinguished Service Award is given
annually to persons, organizations, and businesses which have demon-
strated commitment to the spirit of the Sister Maureen Joyce Center
through their outreach or advocacy on behalf of the poor and vulnerable;
and
WHEREAS, The Sister Maureen Joyce Center is a collaborative project
between Catholic Charities, Blessed Sacrament Parish, the Ladies of
Charity, and Congregation Beth Emeth, which provides members of its
community with basic necessities such as food, health care, and mentor-
ing services for young people; and
WHEREAS, Founded by Father Alvin Somerville, OFM Conv. on March 28,
2001, the Poverello Center is a health clinic staffed by volunteer
physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and chaplains, which provides
high quality care to uninsured adults in the immediate community; and
WHEREAS, The name of this vital organization means "the little poor
one," which is often used to describe St. Francis of Assisi, one of the
most recognized religious figures in history; to honor this great man's
legacy, the Poverello Center strives to understand and serve the health
and wellness needs of the medically underserved, especially those who
live and function in the West Hill area of Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, The dedicated and caring staff of the Poverello Center
provide free, high quality medical care, such as physical exams, and
health screenings, as well as urgent care to uninsured adults every
Wednesday evening; and
WHEREAS, In addition, a referral system has been established to link
clients to legal counseling services, social services, and spiritual
direction; linkages have also been established with medical providers in
the community for clients with on-going chronic health problems which
require more intensive health monitoring such as diabetes and asthma;
and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by the Poverello Center is in direct
correlation to the efforts of the many individuals who volunteer their
time and energies to this worthy establishment; presently the excep-
tional staff consists of seven physicians: Dr. William Cromie, Dr. Sarah
Elmendorf, Dr. Janet Gargiulo, Dr. Denise Letteriello, Dr. Mary Rappaz-
zo, Dr. Arthur Wallingford, and Dr. Amy Walsh; two nurse practitioners,
Marybeth Bossolini and Margaret Nagy; and four registered nurses, Peggy
DiManno, Barbara Ochampaugh, Betty Sullivan and Barbara Weidman; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the vital importance of the
Poverello Center in providing excellence in care through prevention,
education and treatment, and its evident commitment to this mission; and

WHEREAS, The Poverello Center, and its expert staff, has had a long
and sustained commitment to the health and welfare of the citizens of
the West Hill area of Albany, New York, and therefore merits the highest
commendation of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Poverello Center upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the Sister Maureen Joyce Distinguished Service Award by the
Sister Maureen Joyce Center on February 9, 2016; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Poverello Center.

J3805

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Rocco DeFazio family, one of the
Founders of the Little Italy Neighborhood Association, upon the occasion
of their designation for special recognition by the Hudson Mohawk Indus-
trial Gateway on October 1, 2015

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 organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted 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 commend
the Rocco DeFazio family, one of the Founders of the Little Italy Neigh-
borhood Association, upon the occasion of their designation for special
recognition by the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway, celebrated at its
2015 Gala on Thursday, October 1, 2015, at the Troy Italian Community
Center in Troy, New York; and
WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, First founded in 2005, the Little Italy Neighborhood Associ-
ation was formed by Marion Field, Michael Esposito, and the Rocco Defa-
zio family in an effort to establish Troy's Little Italy as an ethnic
tourist destination and to revitalize Troy's historic Hill Street Market
Place site; and
WHEREAS, In the early 1900s, many diverse ethnic groups immigrated to
Troy, New York, and by 1930, there were about 2,000 Italian immigrants
who called Troy their home; and
WHEREAS, During this industrious period, the Italian immigrants built
up their neighborhood which was located within a 20-block radius by
establishing over 60 mom-and-pop shops, churches, schools, a community
center as well as a veterans' post; and
WHEREAS, In the 1960s, over 100 homes and businesses were demolished
in Troy's Little Italy due to urban renewal and a failed highway plan;
and
WHEREAS, Today, the Little Italy Neighborhood Association has
recruited many volunteers to improve the once thriving community to make
it a safe place for people to live, work and visit; and
WHEREAS, Troy's revival has benefitted the Little Italy neighborhood
which is flourishing again; a sense of pride has been instilled into the
area and community members and local businesses support the Associ-
ation's goals; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention to
individuals and organizations, such as the Rocco DeFazio family and the
Little Italy Neighborhood Association which serve to bring people
together for the united purpose of actively pursuing improvements within
their communities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Rocco DeFazio family, one of the Founders of the Little
Italy Neighborhood Association, upon the occasion of their designation
for special recognition by the Hudson Mohawk Industrial Gateway on Octo-
ber 1, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Rocco DeFazio family, Little Italy Neighborhood Associ-
ation.

J3804

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Rita Franconere upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Faith Based Service Lifetime Achievement
Award by the Capital District Senior Issues Forum on October 7, 2015

WHEREAS, Spiritual guidance and nurturing are of great import to the
vitality and well-being of all people and every community of this great
State and Nation; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Rita
Franconere upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
Faith Based Service Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital District
Senior Issues Forum, celebrated at its 17th Annual Lifetime Achievement
Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 7, 2015, at Congregation Beth
Emeth, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Capital District Senior Issues Forum (CDSIF) is a grass-
roots, voluntary initiative among faith communities, organizations and
individuals that provides support for seniors in the Capital District;
and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1998 as a pilot program at Albany's Westminster
Presbyterian Church, CDSIF's founding forum members included caregivers,
representatives from different faith communities who saw advocacy for
older adults as a mission of their faith community, government officials
concerned about senior issues, housing administrators, senior service
providers, and seniors themselves; and
WHEREAS, Through education and dialogue, the Forum recognizes the
contributions of older adults, identifies issues and unmet needs of the
senior community, serves as the convener of stakeholders to address
issues through forums, legislative programs, and educational programs,
educates the community about issues affecting seniors, and generates the
support of faith communities for health, healing, and wholeness of older
adults; and
WHEREAS, Since 1998, the Forum has held over 16 ceremonies and has
recognized over 676 seniors over the age of 85 for their Lifetime
Achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rita Franconere has been recognized by the Capital District
Senior Issues Forum for being an extraordinary senior, for making a
difference in the lives of others, and for giving selflessly in faith
based service; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Rita Franconere has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of those individuals within the State of New York who give of
their time and energies in support of spiritual endeavors which aim to
benefit the community at large; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Rita Franconere upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Faith Based Service Lifetime Achievement Award by the Capital
District Senior Issues Forum on October 7, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rita Franconere.

J3803

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Rita Cao-Garcia for special recogni-
tion for her achievements as Project Leader for Community Art at the
Troy City School District Alternative Learning Program by the YWCA of
the Greater Capital Region, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to those who, by achieving outstanding success in their educa-
tional endeavors, have inspired and brought pride to our majestic Empire
State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Rita Cao-Garcia for special recognition for her achievements as Project
Leader for Community Art at the Troy City School District Alternative
Learning Program by the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc., cele-
brated at its Resourceful Women's Awards Luncheon, held at the Troy
Hilton Garden Inn in Troy, New York, on Wednesday, September 30, 2015;
and
WHEREAS, The YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. was created with
the intention of being a safe place for women to launch a new start;
through their continued determination, the YWCA is able to assist these
women in reaching their goals and being able to maintain self-sufficien-
cy; and
WHEREAS, The YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. works every day
to live up to their mission of eliminating racism, empowering women and
promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all; and
WHEREAS, The first YWCA was founded in 1855, and since that time, the
organization has grown to over 25 million members in 122 countries; in
the United States alone, the YWCA has over 2 million members and 300
local associations; and
WHEREAS, Since 2000, the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. has
held an award ceremony to honor individuals whose community and profes-
sional pursuits advance the empowerment of women, and whose spirit of
determination defines the women of the YWCA; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to recognize Rita Cao-Garcia,
Project Leader for Community Art at the Troy City School District Alter-
native Learning Program, for her commitment and contributions to the
Greater Capital Region and to its quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Rita Cao-Garcia has displayed
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those individ-
uals for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Rita Cao-Garcia for special recognition for her achievements as
Project Leader for Community Art at the Troy City School District Alter-
native Learning Program; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rita Cao-Garcia.