Honor Charlie J. Diamond

September 21, 2019 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 Charlie J. Diamond upon the occasion of being named a 2019 honoree by Arsenal City Kids at its 20th Annual Testimonial Dinner to be held at the Watervliet Elks Club on Saturday, September 21, 2019; 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, Charlie J. Diamond, as the original founder of KIDS COUNT!, has shown a commitment to furthering the young minds and spirits of children within the City of Watervliet; and WHEREAS, Born in Watervliet, New York, on June 4, 1952, Charlie J. Diamond attended the former St. Brigid's Elementary School in Watervliet; he then went on to graduate from La Salle Institute in Troy, New York; and WHEREAS, Charlie J. Diamond furthered his education at Niagara University located in Lewiston, New York, and graduated with the Class of 1976; and WHEREAS, Charlie J. Diamond is married to his best friend Giovina, and together they are the proud parents of two beautiful children, Bridget and her husband, Tony (McAvoy), and Robbie and his wife, Krystina, as well as their best buddy, their grandson, Anthony; and WHEREAS, He began his career path as a teacher at the former St. Joseph's School in Troy, and went on to serve as Commissioner of the Recreation Department in the City of Watervliet; and WHEREAS, Charlie J. Diamond humbly served Congressman Michael J. McNulty as his District Chief of Staff for two decades; and WHEREAS, He then served as one of the Commissioners on the Racing and Wagering Board before heading up the business development division of Gramercy Communication; and WHEREAS, Service to community is the foundation of our society, and the contributions and future efforts of those in service to them are a vital part of, and valuable asset to, the fabric of our communities; Charlie J. Diamond is one such individual; 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 Charlie J. Diamond upon the occasion of being named the