Assembly Resolution No. 372 BY: M. of A. Otis COMMEMORATING the 90th Anniversary of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle 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 organizations and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the young people of their community; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle; and WHEREAS, For nine decades, the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has strived to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens; and WHEREAS, The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle provides children a safe place to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals, life-enhancing programs and character development experiences, and most importantly, hope and opportunity; and WHEREAS, The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle was founded during a difficult time in America's history; after the stock market crash in 1929, many families fell on hard times, especially the children; therefore, the community decided to form the Boys' Club in the old Washington School Building on Union Avenue; and WHEREAS, Through the years, the Club expanded and grew to meet the needs of its youth and the community at large; the Remington Clubhouse began in a home on Winthrop Avenue, and the Remington House was ultimately built on Guion Place in 1953, as the result of the dedication and fundraising efforts of the Remington Women's Auxiliary Club and the Remington Advisory Board; and WHEREAS, In 1972, through a matching grant from the Charles Hayden Foundation and a response from the City of New Rochelle, the Women's Auxiliary and other community members made possible the addition of a gymnasium, game room, shower and locker room, and office to the existing building; and WHEREAS, In the early 1940s, the Club opened the South Side Unit in the basement of the Old Jefferson School on Weyman Avenue, and in 1983, it was moved to a new building at 50 Weyman Avenue; in 2006, it consolidated with the A.E. Mascaro Unit; the Respect Extension was opened at 570 Fifth Avenue at the MacLeay Apartment Complex in 2001; and WHEREAS, In 2004, the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle again expanded to meet the changing needs of the children and youth of New Rochelle by partnering with the Board of Education to provide after school programs as part of the 21st Century Program, a federally funded grant under the No Child Left Behind initiative, at the Isaac E. Young Middle School; and WHEREAS, Three years later, through another partnership with Iona College, the New Rochelle School District and other organizations in the community, a Youth Empowerment Program, RISE, was established to meet the needs of middle school children; and WHEREAS, The partnership with the City School District of New Rochelle was expanded in 2008, with the Safe Schools grant to provide programs for teenagers and the SHAPE grant focusing on fitness; in September of that year, the Club opened its first school-based site at Trinity Elementary School and shortly after, opened an after school program at Ward Elementary School; in January of 2013, the Club partnered with New Rochelle High School to launch an after school program; and WHEREAS, Throughout its 90-year history, thousands of kids from all races and creeds have participated in various Boys & Girls Club programs and moved on to become responsible, successful adults and community minded citizens; fortunate to have been a member of this vital club, many former members have returned to volunteer and serve on its board of directors; and WHEREAS, The longevity of the Club is the result of hard work and dedication by its Executive Director Lutonya Russell-Humes, Board of Directors, staff and adult associations such as the Remington Men's Club, Remington Women's Auxiliary, and most notably, its volunteers; and WHEREAS, Today, the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle serves approximately 1,200 members a year who have truly benefitted from this vital organization; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations 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 commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Lutonya Russell-Humes, Executive Director, the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle.