Honor Pine Island Turf Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 379 BY: Senator BONACIC COMMENDING Pine Island Turf upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary on August 28, 2016 WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon which our distinct American heritage is built; New York State and the entire United States are dependent on our agricultural industry for a variety of products; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the milestones of those farms which substantially contribute to the economic vitality of their communities and the entire Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Pine Island Turf upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary at a barbecue for customers and staff on August 28, 2016; and WHEREAS, In 1966, Charles "Charlie" Lain established Pine Island Turf; he and his wife, Shari cultivated sod, soybeans and barley on 15 acres of prime farm land; and WHEREAS, In 1995, Charlie and Shari Lain's son, Charles "Chip" Lain Jr., bought the business, and currently, holds the title of President and Kelsy Lain Gurda serves as Vice President of this proudly run family farm; and WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of the brother and sister duo, Pine Island Turf farms 800 acres: 500 for pine turf sod, 250 soybeans, and 50 for malting barley; and WHEREAS, For half a century, Pine Island Turf, through the tireless work of the Lain family, has supplied Orange County with quality sod, soybeans and barley; since its inception, the farm has sold enough sod to cover 3,000 football fields or 45,000 average home lawns; and WHEREAS, Through their diligence and expertise in farming, the Lain family has brought pride and recognition to their local community, and to our great Empire State; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and applaud the leaders of the agricultural industry whose accomplishments contribute to the economic health and prosperity of the communities of the State of New York and to the quality of life of its people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Pine Island Turf upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary on August 28, 2016; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Charles Lain Jr., President, Pine Island Turf.