Honor Frank Simpson Award

Senate Resolution No. 3397 BY: Senator BONACIC HONORING Frank Simpson 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 Frank Simpson 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 Gold 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, Frank Simpson is receiving this inaugural award for his vision and dedication in preserving and documenting the canal era in the Town of Deerpark, New York; working with the local Grange, he helped form the Neversink Valley Area Museum in 1967; and WHEREAS, A native of Cuddebackville, Frank Simpson was a bright young man who grew up to be a well-respected veterinarian in his community; a lover of not only animals, but also history, he has always imagined a "poor man's Williamsburg" in his hometown; this special place would provide a glimpse into the life of working people during the 19th Century and the early 20th Century, and provide an economic stimulus for the area; and WHEREAS, The Neversink Valley Area Museum focuses on The Delaware and Hudson Canal and its effect on the commerce and technologies of the area and the transformation of society from an agrarian to an industrial one; and WHEREAS, Through Frank Simpson's vision, the Neversink Valley Area Museum has continued to preserve and document the history of the peoples and industry of the D&H Canal, Neversink River Valley, Shawangunk Valleys of New York's Catskill region and to interpret that history as it relates to the world at large; 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 Frank Simpson 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 Frank Simpson.