Honor Cornell Extension Centennial

9, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that the continuing welfare of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched and reliably served by the purposeful endeavors of individuals who are committed to the preservation of our agriculture industry and the enhancement of the appreciation of the distinctive features of our surroundings; 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 Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County; this momentous occasion will be celebrated at an event on Saturday, December 9, 2017, at Rodman Lott & Sons Farm in Seneca Falls, New York; and WHEREAS, In addition, this auspicious milestone will be feted with a myriad of other events throughout the period of December of 2017 until December of 2018, beginning and ending with a special dinner; and WHEREAS, Since its inception on December of 1917, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County (CCESC) has responded to the needs of local residents with unbiased, research-based information, tools and education that people have come to depend on and trust; and WHEREAS, As of 2012, there were more than 580 farms, which occupy up to 62% of land area in Seneca County; in New York State, the County was ranked number one in hog production and the number of sheep, ranked number two for number of wineries, and ranked number three in soybean bushels harvested; these products and other agricultural goods are valued at $119 million; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, CCESC puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability, and social well-being; it brings local experience and research-based solutions together, helping the county's families and communities thrive in today's rapidly changing world; and WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 100 year history, CCESC has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which it serves, putting to practical use the scholarship and research of Cornell University and the national land grant system in the areas of agriculture and food systems sustainability; families, nutrition, health and safety; 4-H youth development; environmental and natural resource enhancement; and community and economic vitality; and WHEREAS, CCESC also supports county agriculture through four Regional Agricultural teams: Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team, Cornell Vegetable Program, Finger Lakes Grape Program, and Harvest New York Team; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, CCESC has organized several events to raise awareness of New York's agricultural products including a yearly Finger Lakes Craft Beverage Conference, 4-H Outdoor Education Field Day, Recycling Education in Seneca County, Empire Farm Days, the Master Garden Program, "Celebrate Seneca County Agriculture Night," "The Finger Lakes Ag Report," and originated the Seneca County Root Beer Float; and WHEREAS, The success of CCESC is in direct correlation to the efforts of its staff and volunteers, 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, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to CCESC; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when 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 100th Anniversary of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County.