Honor Richard McGavern Award

Assembly Resolution No. 23 BY: M. of A. Kolb HONORING Richard McGavern upon the occasion of being named the 2019 Mr. Canandaigua by the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce on February 1, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the quality and character of life in the communities across New York State are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor Richard McGavern upon the occasion of being named the 2019 Mr. Canandaigua by the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce, to be celebrated at its 109th Annual Dinner and Membership Ceremony held on Friday, February

1, 2019, at Finger Lakes Community College, Canandaigua, New York; and WHEREAS, Each year the Chamber of Commerce honors a citizen for outstanding service to the residence of Canandaigua; candidates for this award have demonstrated service to the greater community or its people, over and above what can be expected of one person, in the course of everyday living, without or with very little compensation; and WHEREAS, Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, Richard "Dick" McGavern graduated from Union College in Schenectady, New York, after earning his Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Rochester's Simon Business School, he enjoyed a long career as a Manufacturers Representative in industrial sales; and WHEREAS, In 1966, Richard McGavern and his family relocated to Canandaigua where they lived on Gorham Street for a time before moving to Tichenor Point Drive, where he continues to reside today; through the years, he has been a vital part of his community; and WHEREAS, From 1986-1988, Richard McGavern served as Mayor of the Town of Canandaigua, he was an excellent example of what that role encompasses in a small city like Canandaigua; throughout his tenure, he accomplished numerous goals, such as, the refurbishment of both the Pioneer Cemetery and the City Hall Clock; he was also instrumental in creating the Canandaigua City Endowment which funded the Centennial Project; and WHEREAS, In addition to this role, Richard McGavern has been an active member of the Canandaigua Rotary since 1999 serving on many committees, and participating in many of its programs; he assumed a major role in the funding of Camp Onseyawa; most recently he was the Chairman of the 4-way Test highlighting his commitment to the youth of his town; and WHEREAS, As an eight year member of Wood Library Board of Trustees, Richard McGavern co-chaired the Capital Campaign Committee for its building project, personally visiting hundreds of individuals and organizations securing pledges; and WHEREAS, Richard McGavern donated his time and energy to many other noteworthy causes including Thompson Hospital, Salvation Army, his church, the historical society and the Big Brother Program; and WHEREAS, When he was not working or helping others, Richard McGavern loves to fly his plane seeking new adventures and has a great passion for cars, motorcycles and Vespa motor scooters; and WHEREAS, Richard McGavern is a much loved and singular asset to all of the citizens of Canandaigua; known by many for his charisma and Irish wit he has served his community well by remaining true to his mantra of service above self to work every day; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his loving wife, Sandy, and their two children, Chuck McGavern and Amy Scalici, as well as their grandchildren, all of whom have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those individuals for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Richard McGavern upon the occasion of being named the 2019 Mr. Canandaigua by the Canandaigua Chamber of Commerce; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Richard McGavern.