Senate Resolution No. 2062 BY: Senator GAUGHRAN COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the YMCA of Long Island WHEREAS, In the course of the evolving development of this Empire State, if the ingredients of shared concern and responsive endeavor combine in the commitment to society, there have emerged among the distinguished citizens of the State of New York certain organizations which warrant special recognition; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their communities; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the YMCA of Long Island to be celebrated at a Gala on Thursday, September 19, 2019, at the Piermont in Babylon, New York; and WHEREAS, In addition, the Bay Shore, East Hampton, Glen Cove, Huntington and Patchogue branches will observe this auspicious occasion with their members at parties held on Thursday, September 5, 2019; and WHEREAS, The YMCA is dedicated to building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities by providing a wide variety of programs and services to people of all ages, incomes and abilities; and WHEREAS, In 1919, the YMCA of Long Island was formally incorporated to serve youth and families in both Nassau and Suffolk County; and WHEREAS, In 1930, the YMCA of Long Island started Hi-Y Programs in local high schools, actively sought membership of minority populations, and began admitting females to its programs; and WHEREAS, During the 1950s, the first YMCA was built in Huntington, New York, and the Neighborhood House YMCA opened in Glen Cove, New York; in 1963, the North Central Suffolk YMCA in Smithtown was built; and WHEREAS, In 1970, Outreach Services, also known as YMCA Family Services, was created in Bay Shore, New York, to provide juvenile delinquency prevention, counseling services, and a Teen Center for local youth; in that same year, the Special Services Division, also known as the Child Care Branch, was created to provide Day Care Services to families; and WHEREAS, The Brookhaven Roe Y Center branch opened in 1978, and the Brookhaven East Branch opened in 1983; six years later, the two branches merged; and WHEREAS, After raising the necessary funds, the Great South Bay YMCA in Bay Shore was founded in 1991; throughout the next decade, various branches made many improvements and renovations; and WHEREAS, The next century brought further changes to this vital organization; corporate offices were relocated, and the YMCA entered into an agreement with the Town of East Hampton to operate and manage the YMCA East Hampton RECenter; and WHEREAS, In 2004, the YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts opened in downtown Bay Shore, and in 2009, the Martone Children's Center was launched at the YMCA at Glen Cove; and WHEREAS, Both the Patchogue Family YMCA and the Sammis Family Child Care Center at the Huntington YMCA opened in 2010; two years later, Anne N. Brigis became the first female President and CEO of the YMCA of Long Island; and WHEREAS, In 2019, the Huntington YMCA Jorge Family Healthy Living Center opened its doors to the public for the first time; today, the YMCA of Long Island continues efforts to build a future branch in the hamlet of Wyandanch, New York; and WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 100 year history, the YMCA of Long Island has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which it serves; since its inception, it has strived to be a place to nurture the potential of every child and teen, be a place to build a healthy body and mind, be a place for a helping hand and shoulder to lean on, and ultimately be a place to call home; and WHEREAS, The success of the YMCA of Long Island is in direct correlation to the efforts of its staff, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, In light of its commitment, dedication and successful efforts, it is the custom of this Legislative Body to extend its highest commendation to the YMCA of Long Island; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the YMCA of Long Island on September 19, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Anne N. Brigis, President/CEO, YMCA of Long Island.