Senate Resolution No. 617 BY: Senator COONEY CONGRATULATING Barbara Wale upon the occasion of her retirement after 42 years of distinguished service to The Arc of Monroe WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations devoted to improving the quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and self-worth are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; and WHEREAS, From time to time, society calls upon these individuals and organizations to be recognized for the significance of their contributions and efforts to assist others in developing the skills necessary to be successful, productive citizens; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Barbara Wale upon the occasion of her retirement after 42 years of distinguished service to The Arc of Monroe; and WHEREAS, Barbara Wale began her long and distinguished career with The Arc of Monroe as a speech pathologist and quickly rose through the ranks holding leadership positions such as Director of Clinical Services, Director of Crittenden Day Treatment Program, Vice President of Program Operations, Vice President of Quality Management and President/CEO, the position from which she will officially retire; and WHEREAS, Throughout her tenure, Barbara Wale has truly enjoyed getting to know and interacting personally with thousands of people who receive services at The Arc of Monroe and demonstrated her leadership excellence by supporting the development of new services and programs that reflect the needs, wants and desires of people with developmental disabilities; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Barbara Wale, The Arc of Monroe now offers services which include community partners, community inclusion and person-centered planning; and WHEREAS, For her exceptional leadership ability and commitment to the mission of the organization, while positively affecting the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Barbara Wale was the recipient of the prestigious Marc N. Brandt Exceptional Leadership Award by the statewide chapter, The Arc of New York; and WHEREAS, For over four decades, Barbara Wale rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable service to The Arc of Monroe, earning the admiration, esteem and affection of her colleagues; and WHEREAS, In completing her service as President/CEO, Barbara Wale leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; she leaves behind a legacy to those individuals supported by The Arc of Monroe as well as their families and the community-at-large; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demonstrated by Barbara Wale over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Barbara Wale upon the occasion of her retirement after 42 years of distinguished service to The Arc of Monroe; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Barbara Wale.