WHEREAS: With her passion for helping children, Patty Yarmel, PhD, has dedicated her

life’s work to just that. Her desire to help children and families experiencing
emotional trauma drove her to pursue her PhD in Clinical and Developmental
Psychology. After her studies, Dr. Yarmel gained decades of experience working
as a New York State Licensed Psychologist. Along with her love of children, Dr.
Yarmel has always had a strong affinity for music; and

WHEREAS: Dr. Yarmel is a registered Suzuki violin teacher and has been a dedicated
violinist at the Penfield Symphony for almost 30 years. Like the true visionary
she is, Dr. Yarmel was inspired to combine her two passions in life—children
and music. In 2008, together with Elaine Spaull, Dr. Yarmel co-founded Strings
for Success, an innovative and inclusive instrumental strings program freely
available to all students, second to eighth grade, at RCSD School No. 19; and

WHEREAS: Because of Dr. Yarmel’s education, professional training, and work experience,
she has a true understanding of how exposure to music can help children achieve
academic success. Using her vast network and persistence, Dr. Yarmel secured
instrument donations from across the state and raised funds with the help of
performances by local professional musicians. She also partnered with
organizations such as the RPO and the Strong Museum of Play, giving the
students engaging and public spaces to play.

WHEREAS: Under Dr. Yarmel’s management, Strings for Success students have performed
with college, community, and professional orchestras, and even traveled out-of-
state to perform at historical sites such as the Capital, the 911 Memorial, and the
JFK Presidents Museum and Library. Such field trips enhance music skills,
support academic learning, and foster college and career awareness; and

WHEREAS: Along with the utmost dedication to her successful career, Dr. Yarmel has a
beautiful family, including her husband Rich Yarmel and her two sons, Aaron
and Ryan Yarmel. Her family describes her as insightful and resourceful, as well
as caring and dedicated. Her amazing work for Strings for Success has been
recognized throughout the years, earning awards like the Essie Calhoun
Diversity in the Arts Award. Dr. Yarmel has tremendously benefited our
community and is much appreciated. The City of Rochester is proud to join those
who love her in celebrating the accomplishments of Dr. Patty Yarmel and wish
her the best in her retirement.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Malik D. Evans, Mayor of the City of Rochester, New York, do hereby
proclaim June 5, 2023 to be a day to celebrate:

DR. PATTY YARMEL

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my

In Witness
hand on thisWhereof,
5 th day ofI June
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hand on
Signed: this sixteenth day of June in the year
two-thousand and seven.
Signed:

Mayor, Rochester, New York

In Witness
Mayor, Whereof, New
Rochester, I HaveYork
hereunto set my
hand on this sixteenth day of June in the year
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my
hand on this 5 th day of June in the year 2023.
Signed:

Mayor, Rochester, New York