LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mike Knowlton upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2015 Good Neighbor Award by the Unadilla
Chamber of Commerce

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 organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mike
Knowlton upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2015
Good Neighbor Award by the Unadilla Chamber of Commerce to be celebrated
at its Annual Dinner on Sunday, April 26, 2015, at the Unadilla First
United Methodist Church, Unadilla, New York; and
WHEREAS, Mike Knowlton was born to Lila and the late Gilbert Knowlton;
in 1975, he graduated from the Unadilla Valley Central High School, New
Berlin, New York; and
WHEREAS, Mike and Deb Knowlton were married in 1979; for 20 of their
36 years of marriage, the couple has provided both respite care for the
elderly and foster care for children; and
WHEREAS, After assisting his daughter with the Youth For Christ (YFC)
group, a para-ministry non-profit organization, at the Unadilla Elemen-
tary School, Mike Knowlton became a YFC Volunteer for seven years; for
the last three years, he has been a member of the YFC ministry staff;
and
WHEREAS, Due to Mike Knowlton's persistence, the YFC Teen Center came
to fruition in 2013, serving youths from the age of 10-18 by providing a
variety of activities and a safe environment for young people to social-
ize with friends; and
WHEREAS, Under Mike Knowlton's faithful leadership, the YFC Teen
Center offers individuals an array of games such as ping pong, pool,
arcade basketball, and gaga ball, as well as a 16-station video game
room and special movie viewings; and
WHEREAS, The Center also provides several instruments for youths to
play, including a drum set, guitar, and piano keyboard; during the
summer, the kids have access to a large field on the grounds to play
volleyball and soccer; and
WHEREAS, In addition to fun and games, the YFC Teen Center presents
special programs and speakers, as well as Bible study for its eager
students; and
WHEREAS, The members of the YFC Teen Center have hosted a variety of
fundraisers, such as both pancake and spaghetti suppers; upcoming events
include a Talent Show on Saturday, April 18, 2015, and a 5-K Run/Walk
for all ages on Saturday, April 25; and
WHEREAS, For the past 10 years, Mike Knowlton has been a member of the
support staff for the YFC week-long bike trip held in August of each
year; and
WHEREAS, Besides his involvement with YFC, Mike Knowlton is employed
as a cook at the Head Start in Unadilla; prior to this position, he was
a Head Start bus driver, and a district sales manager for the BINGHAMTON
PRESS; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Deb, his three chil-
dren, Sarah (Jason), Matt, and Chris, four adopted children, Alan,
Eligh, Nick, and Xavier, and one granddaughter, Lily, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Mike Knowlton, and to wish him
continued success in all of his future endeavors; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals 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
honor Mike Knowlton upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2015 Good Neighbor Award by the Unadilla Chamber of Commerce; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mike Knowlton.