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.
