Honor Barbara Michalski’s Award

Senate Resolution No. 126 BY: Senator BRESLIN CONGRATULATING Barbara Michalski upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the National Grid Coordinated Community Response Award by Unity House 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, Barbara Michalski has given not only of her time and energies but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has been designated for special recognition; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Barbara Michalski upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the National Grid Coordinated Community Response Award by Unity House to be celebrated at its Domestic Violence Awareness Event and Art Show on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at The Arts Center of the Capital Region, Troy, New York; and WHEREAS, Unity House is a Rensselaer County-based human service agency that provides a wide range of services to meet the otherwise unmet needs of people in our community who are hurting and struggling; it assists those who are living in poverty, adults living with mental illness or HIV/AIDS, victims of domestic violence, and children with developmental delays; and WHEREAS, A native of the Capital District, Barbara Michalski earned a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology; in 1983, she started working with National Grid, originally Niagara Mohawk, as a Meter Reader; and WHEREAS, After working in various roles in the company, Barbara Michalski became the Consumer Advocate in 1999; she assists low-income and special needs customers and provides early intervention, information on a variety of assistance programs, crisis bill pay management, outreach, and education; and WHEREAS, In addition, Barbara Michalski offers a variety of services to home-bound customers and provides presentations on energy saving tips, health and safety issues, payment options and preparation for power outages; she has advocated for consumers in need and has worked within her organization for greater understanding of the needs of consumers facing challenges; and WHEREAS, Barbara Michalski has been called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given of herself unstintingly; and WHEREAS, Barbara Michalski currently serves as a member of the Albany County Disaster Response and Recovery Committee and the Community Investment Committee for the United Way as well as the Rensselaer County Long Term Care Council; and WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a period of constructive involvement, Barbara Michalski has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor and has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues, family and friends; and WHEREAS, Barbara Michalski has exhibited compassion, humility and unselfish dedication in everything she has done and continues to do for the disenfranchised members of our community; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Barbara Michalski has displayed throughout her life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Barbara Michalski upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the National Grid Coordinated Community Response Award by Unity House; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Barbara Michalski.