Honor Celia Spacone Award

Senate Resolution No. 4230 BY: Senator JACOBS HONORING Celia Spacone, Ph.D. upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2018 Yellow Rose Award by the Zonta Club of Grand Island 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; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Celia Spacone, Ph.D. upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2018 Yellow Rose Award by the Zonta Club of Grand Island; and WHEREAS, New York State is home to countless women, strong and colorful threads vital to the fabric of our rich heritage, who have and continue to contribute to the advancement of our culture through their traditional and non-traditional roles in society; and WHEREAS, The Zonta Club, an international organization of professional women who work to advance the status of women through service and advocacy, sets aside March 8th of each year as Yellow Rose Day, to honor the accomplishments of women worldwide; the Zonta Club of Grand Island takes this opportunity to honor women whose courage, determination and dedication have made a difference in the lives of others within the community and beyond; and WHEREAS, Called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors, Celia Spacone has always given of herself unstintingly; and WHEREAS, A licensed psychologist, Celia Spacone recently retired as the Executive Director of the Buffalo Psychiatric Center (BPC), where she enjoyed a distinguished 32-year career; and WHEREAS, Prior to her role in this esteemed position, Celia Spacone worked on an inpatient unit, as well as in quality management and operations; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to giving back to her community and helping others, Celia Spacone has been active with the United Way Campaign at the BPC for 10 years, chairing the campaign for two years, and raising significant funds for local charities; and WHEREAS, Celia Spacone was selected to champion the Town of Grand Island Wellness Committee, whose goal is to promote a healthier community by increasing awareness of and solutions for critical issues such as opioid addiction and other substance abuse, suicide and mental illness; and WHEREAS, In addition, she is a member of Erie County Opiate Addiction Task Force and was named as the coordinator of the Erie County Suicide Prevention Coalition; and WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Celia Spacone was recognized with the 2017 New York State Suicide Prevention Award for her accomplishments in making a suicide "a never event" at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center; and WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Western New York, Celia Spacone earned her bachelor's degree at Buffalo State College; she went on to become a New York State Licensed Psychologist and received both her master's degree in education and her Ph.D. from the University at Buffalo; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband of 37 years, David, and two children, Justin and Andrea, who have all shown her love and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Celia Spacone has displayed throughout her life; and WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to Celia Spacone, that future generations may know and appreciate her admirable character, her many benevolent deeds, and the respect and esteem in which she is held by her peers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Celia Spacone, Ph.D. upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the 2018 Yellow Rose Award by the Zonta Club of Grand Island; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Celia Spacone, Ph.D.