Honor Art Fruscio Recognition

2018 WHEREAS, A great community is only as great as those persons who provide exemplary service, whether through participation in voluntary programs, through unique personal achievement in their profession, or simply through a lifetime of good citizenship; and 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 individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Art Fruscio upon the occasion of being named a 2018 honoree by Arsenal City Kids at its 19th Annual Testimonial Dinner to be held at the Watervliet Elks Club on Saturday, September 15, 2018; Coach Mike Deane, a retired Division I basketball coach, will serve as Master of Ceremonies; and WHEREAS, Prior to the dinner, Coach Mike Deane will lead his annual Basketball Clinic at the Watervliet Dome, a free event open to both boys and girls of all skill levels; and WHEREAS, Arsenal City Kids, formerly KIDS COUNT!, is a nonprofit organization which raises funds to enhance the lives of children through recreational, cultural, and educational programs in Watervliet, New York, and the Capital Region; and WHEREAS, Born in Troy, New York, on December 13, 1948, Art Fruscio was a student at Sacred Heart of Mary Elementary School in Watervliet from kindergarten until the eighth grade; his Freshman year, he attending LaSalle Institute in Troy; the following year, he transferred to Watervliet High School where he graduated with the Class of 1968; and WHEREAS, During his time at Watervliet High School, Art Fruscio was elected class president in both his Junior and Senior years; he was also active in Student Council and was a member of the varsity football, basketball and baseball teams; and WHEREAS, After graduation, Art Fruscio attended Hudson Valley Community College for two years, majoring in Accounting; he went on to serve his country as a member of the United States Army National Guard from July of 1969, during the Vietnam War, until he was Honorably Discharged on June 23, 1975; and WHEREAS, Art Fruscio married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, the former Pamela Holmes, on April 25, 1970; and WHEREAS, Upon returning home, Art Fruscio first was employed at the State Bank of Albany for a couple of years; he then worked at Boyd Printing Company, and then construction as an Ironworker (Local 12) on the South Mall Project at the Capital in Albany; and WHEREAS, Ultimately, Art Fruscio went to work for the Albany County Sheriff's Department at its Correctional Facility where he held numerous positions including: Correction Officer, Correction Sergeant, Correction Lieutenant, Correction Captain, and Assistant Superintendent in charge of security, the title in which he retired on July 5, 2000, after 25 years of dedicated service; and WHEREAS, In November of 2000, Art Fruscio took part-time employment with the City of Watervliet as the Grant Coordinator, administering housing grants to moderate and low income seniors, helping them with needed repairs to their homes; and WHEREAS, Over the years, Art Fruscio continued to administer housing grants but also took on the responsibility of Secretary to the Civil Service Commission in 2007; presently, he is in his 18th year of working for the City of Watervliet in the capacity of Civil Service Secretary; and WHEREAS, Continuing is love for sports, Art Fruscio played in several men's basketball leagues as well as high level softball (fast pitch, medium pitch, and high arch) on several teams within the Capital Region; and WHEREAS, For several years, Art Fruscio also coached baseball in both the CYO for Watervliet Catholic Elementary School and Watervliet Little League; and WHEREAS, Giving back to the community he loves is very important to Art Fruscio; he is a volunteer for several Boards and Committees including: Committeeman in Watervliet for 25 years, Watervliet Board of Assessment Review for 16 years, and the Board of Directors with the Watervliet Civic Center for 16 years; and WHEREAS, Current, Art Fruscio enjoys playing golf with his grandson at Van Schaick Country Club, where he has been a member for almost three decades; and WHEREAS, In addition to his loving wife, Pamela, with him throughout have been his two devoted children, Scott and Stacey, and three wonderful grandchildren, twins, Jeffrey and Madison, and Elizabeth, who have all shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Art Fruscio upon the occasion of being named a 2018 honoree by Arsenal City Kids at its 19th Annual Testimonial Dinner on September