Honor Agnes Van Put

Senate Resolution No. 1108 BY: Senator METZGER HONORING Agnes Van Put upon the occasion of being named a Catskill Legend by the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the compassion of individuals such as Agnes Van Put who uphold the values of community life and who, through their great actions, epitomize the best of humanity; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Agnes Van Put upon the occasion of being named a Catskill Legend by the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum to be celebrated with a Dinner on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Rockland House, Roscoe, New York; and WHEREAS, The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum implemented Catskill Legends to recognize those who have contributed their knowledge and skills to recognize, teach, and incite their interest in the history of the Catskills; and WHEREAS, Agnes Van Put is receiving this auspicious award in recognition of her hard work, dedication and passion for serving her community over the last three and a half decades; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her community, Agnes Van Put is a 35-year employee of the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum and an active member of Sullivan County; she is a member of the Livingston Manor Senior Citizens Club and an honorary member of the Women's Fly Fishing Club; and WHEREAS, Agnes Van Put was born on August 15, 1916, in Prospect Park, New Jersey; when her father fell ill, she began working at just 15 years old, earning eight cents an hour at Garfinkle & Ritter Inc., where she worked five days a week and a half day on Saturdays; and WHEREAS, Three years later, Agnes Van Put married her husband, Emil, and together they raised two sons, Ed and Russell; in 1937, the family moved to Hoboken, New Jersey, where, although it was uncommon for women, she continued to work; and WHEREAS, Agnes Van Put's integrity and work ethic never faltered, and because of this, she found the job that made her a legend in the Catskills; and WHEREAS, In the 1970s, Agnes and Emil Van Put moved to the Catskills, and immediately fell in love with the area; the couple settled in the hamlet of Livingston Manor, converting an old barn into a quaint little home where Agnes continues to reside today; and WHEREAS, Officially incorporated in 1981, Agnes Van Put has been an integral part of the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum since its inception; this extraordinary 102-year old woman continues to work in the gift shop where her commitment and hospitality have warmed the hearts of countless fly fishers and visitors alike; and WHEREAS, Agnes Van Put truly makes a lasting connection with everyone she meets, providing them with a wealth of knowledge regarding fly fishing; on opening day of trout season, she makes her famous homemade soups for all of the avid fly fishers who stop in at the center before their first cast of the season; and WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Agnes Van Put received the first ever T.O.A.S.T. Award from the Sullivan County Visitors Association to honor her contributions to the community and her ability to make visitors feel at home; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Agnes Van Put upon the occasion of being named a Catskill Legend by the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Agnes Van Put.