Honor Florence Merle’s Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 4253 BY: Senator GALLIVAN COMMENDING Florence Merle upon the occasion of her retirement after 80 years of distinguished service to Merle Maple Farms WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon which our distinct American heritage is built; and WHEREAS, New York State and the entire United States is dependent on our agricultural industry for a variety of food products; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts of our sugar makers as they continue their hard work of turning sap into maple syrup, perpetuating this cherished New York tradition, and positively impacting our economy, environment, and way of life; and WHEREAS, Maple has been recognized as one of the foundations for New York State's agriculture; as the second state in the country for maple syrup production, New York produces over 700,000 gallons of syrup from over 2.5 million taps; and WHEREAS, It takes 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of maple syrup; in addition, maple makes many products sold throughout the State and nation including maple fluff, maple coffee, maple cream and maple candy; and WHEREAS, New York maple providers are distributed across New York State and have expanded over the last five years; maple operations reach over 500,000 visitors throughout New York; and WHEREAS, A legend in New York State's maple business, Florence Merle has seen this valuable industry advance and modernize throughout the last eight decades; and WHEREAS, In 1940, Florence married her late husband, Arthur Merle, and together, they worked on his family's maple farm; as a young woman, she learned how to tap, can and boil sap in the kitchen; today, the staff of Merle Farms uses state-of-the-art, high-efficiency evaporators and tubing to produce a variety of maple products; and WHEREAS, Florence Merle has worn many hats on the farm; she was most proud of her role as an educator, diligently working to promote the latest advancements and technologies in maple syrup production; and WHEREAS, For their steadfast and unremitting commitment to educating the general public about the maple industry, Florence and Arthur Merle were the recipients of numerous awards and accolades including the Hubbell Award; and WHEREAS, Today, at the age of 103, Florence Merle continues to be a vital part of the fourth generation family-owned business; she always greets visitors with a warm smile and a fresh sample of some of the farm's delicious products; she also likes to pack maple sugar, and each year, she looks forward to Maple Weekend where she can talk to visitors and explain how maple syrup is made; and WHEREAS, For the past 80 years, Florence Merle rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable service to Merle Maple Farms; and WHEREAS, Through her diligence and expertise in maple syrup production, Florence Merle has brought pride and recognition to herself, her local community, and to our great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Florence Merle upon the occasion of her retirement after 80 years of distinguished service to Merle Maple Farms; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Florence Merle.