Senate Resolution No. 4230

BY: Senator JACOBS

HONORING Celia Spacone, Ph.D. upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the 2018 Yellow Rose
Award by the Zonta Club of Grand Island

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Celia Spacone, Ph.D. upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the 2018 Yellow Rose Award by the Zonta Club of Grand Island; and

WHEREAS, New York State is home to countless women, strong and
colorful threads vital to the fabric of our rich heritage, who have and
continue to contribute to the advancement of our culture through their
traditional and non-traditional roles in society; and

WHEREAS, The Zonta Club, an international organization of
professional women who work to advance the status of women through
service and advocacy, sets aside March 8th of each year as Yellow Rose
Day, to honor the accomplishments of women worldwide; the Zonta Club of
Grand Island takes this opportunity to honor women whose courage,
determination and dedication have made a difference in the lives of
others within the community and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Called upon to contribute her time and talents to countless
civic and charitable endeavors, Celia Spacone has always given of
herself unstintingly; and

WHEREAS, A licensed psychologist, Celia Spacone recently retired as
the Executive Director of the Buffalo Psychiatric Center (BPC), where
she enjoyed a distinguished 32-year career; and

WHEREAS, Prior to her role in this esteemed position, Celia Spacone
worked on an inpatient unit, as well as in quality management and
operations; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to giving back
to her community and helping others, Celia Spacone has been active with
the United Way Campaign at the BPC for 10 years, chairing the campaign
for two years, and raising significant funds for local charities; and

WHEREAS, Celia Spacone was selected to champion the Town of Grand
Island Wellness Committee, whose goal is to promote a healthier
community by increasing awareness of and solutions for critical issues
such as opioid addiction and other substance abuse, suicide and mental
illness; and

WHEREAS, In addition, she is a member of Erie County Opiate
Addiction Task Force and was named as the coordinator of the Erie County
Suicide Prevention Coalition; and

WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Celia
Spacone was recognized with the 2017 New York State Suicide Prevention
Award for her accomplishments in making a suicide "a never event" at the
Buffalo Psychiatric Center; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Western New York, Celia Spacone
earned her bachelor's degree at Buffalo State College; she went on to
become a New York State Licensed Psychologist and received both her
master's degree in education and her Ph.D. from the University at
Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband of 37 years,
David, and two children, Justin and Andrea, who have all shown her love
and support and rejoice in her many achievements; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Celia Spacone has displayed
throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Celia Spacone, that future generations may know and appreciate her
admirable character, her many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which she is held by her peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Celia Spacone, Ph.D. upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the 2018 Yellow Rose Award by the Zonta Club of Grand
Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Celia Spacone, Ph.D.