Honor Elaine Giguere’s Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 992 BY: Senator BONACIC COMMENDING Elaine Giguere upon the occasion of her retirement after 42 years of distinguished service to the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance WHEREAS, Individuals who distinguish themselves in their profession and in service to their community and the arts merit the recognition and appreciation of their colleagues, community, and the people of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Elaine Giguere upon the occasion of her retirement after 42 years of distinguished service to the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance; and WHEREAS, Elaine Giguere earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in dance with a minor in English; after graduation, she was a dance instructor at the Brooklyn Academy of Music for five years; she was also a member of the dance faculty at the American Dance Festival at Connecticut College and the Harvard University Dance Institute; and WHEREAS, In April of 1976, Elaine Giguere co-founded the Delaware Valley Arts Council (DVAA); two years later, she held the esteemed title of Executive Director, a position from which she will officially retire on June 30, 2017; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Elaine Giguere has been a strong voice for regional arts as well as for the DVAA itself; for over four decades, she has collaborated with members, artists, staff and the Board of Directors to advance the organization's mission and vision; and WHEREAS, Elaine Giguere was also responsible for fundraising, management of day-to-day operations, and the re-grant program; and WHEREAS, As the liaison between the artist community, the public, civic organizations, elected officials, and the Board of Directors, she often worked outside the organization on issues which affected the arts and artists in collaboration and joint advocacy with local and regional businesses, tourism and environmental groups and statewide organizations; and WHEREAS, Under Elaine Giguere's luminous leadership, the DVAA has served as the Arts Council for Sullivan County, New York, for over four decades; the Alliance presents programs in the visual, performing, literary, and media arts, and service a county- and valley-wide constituency of artists, arts groups, and the general public; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance has strived to advance the arts in the region through support and encouragement of artists, innovative programs, advocacy, and artistic, business and government alliances; and WHEREAS, Today, the DVAA consists of 300 members, many of whom divide their time between Sullivan County and New York City; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay tribute to those individuals whose commitment and creative talents have contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of the citizens of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Elaine Giguere upon the occasion of her retirement after 42 years of distinguished service to the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Elaine Giguere.