Honor McClusky’s Retirement Service

Senate Resolution No. 1232 BY: Senator GRIFFO 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.