Honor Graham Skea Award

Senate Resolution No. 3396 BY: Senator BONACIC HONORING Graham Skea upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the first annual Malcolm Booth Medal by the Neversink Valley Museum of History and Innovation on December 2, 2017 WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Graham Skea upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the first annual Malcolm Booth Medal by the Neversink Valley Museum of History and Innovation celebrated at its Founders Dinner Event on Saturday, December 2, 2017, at The Lynx at River Bend Golf Course in Port Jervis, New York; and WHEREAS, This auspicious award was created in memory of Malcolm Booth, who diligently worked to bring recognition to the D & H Canal in Cuddebackville, New York; due to his steadfast efforts, the Canal was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the D & H Canal Park was established; and WHEREAS, Graham Skea is receiving this inaugural award for his steadfast and unremitting commitment to establishing the Orange County park system; and WHEREAS, As Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, Graham Skea was instrumental in increasing the Orange County park system from one park with 405 acres to nine parks of 2,000 acres and four historic sites, two golf courses and horse show arenas, snow tubing area, fishing ponds, campsites, and tennis courts, as well as 11 miles of walking, skating and biking trails; and WHEREAS, A strong advocate for public and private partnerships, Graham Skea has worked closely with the Orange County Citizens Foundation, other groups and individuals to reach his goal of expanding open space to provide various recreation opportunities for the people who live in the Hudson Valley; and WHEREAS, Through his diligent efforts, the Parks Department and Citizens Foundation worked together with the Neversink Valley Area Museum to acquire the D & H Canal Park, the Orange County Heritage Trail in partnership with Orange Pathways, and most recently, the development of the Orange County Arboretum with committed citizens; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Graham Skea upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the first annual Malcolm Booth Medal by the Neversink Valley Museum of History and Innovation; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Graham Skea.