LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Katharine L. Tomasi upon the occasion
of her designation by Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York as a 2009
Woman of Distinction

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life of the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of individuals who
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, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Katharine L. "Kay" Tomasi upon the occasion of her designation by Girl
Scouts of Northeastern New York as a 2009 Woman of Distinction; and
WHEREAS, Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (GSNENY) was created in
June 2007 from the union of four Girl Scout Councils, Hudson Valley,
Mohawk Pathways, Adirondack and North Country, and now serves 14,500
girls in Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Greene,
Hamilton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie,
Warren and Washington Counties and a portion of St. Lawrence County; and
WHEREAS, Kay Tomasi will be honored with the Distinguished Community
Leader Award at Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York's Women of
Distinction Dinner, to be held at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga
Springs on Wednesday, June 3, 2009; the theme of this year's celebration
is Women of Distinction--Imagine the Possibilities; and
WHEREAS, The Distinguished Community Leader Award is presented to
women who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to their community
over a period of time, women who are role models, community leaders, and
mentors or have broken new ground, women who have been agents for change
who have made a measurable difference to those around them; Katharine L.
Tomasi truly exemplifies these qualities; and
WHEREAS, Kay Tomasi earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history at St.
Lawrence University and a Master of Arts degree in history from Central
Michigan University; she taught history in secondary schools for several
years before settling in Salem where she has made a career of service to
the community she loves; and
WHEREAS, Bringing her great interest in history with her, Kay Tomasi
has served numerous organizations devoted to the preservation of the
area's heritage with distinction, including the Washington County
Historical Society, the Historic Salem Courthouse Preservation Associ-
ation, Inc., and the Saratoga-Capital District Region of the New York
State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; and
WHEREAS, She is the author of THE VILLAGE OF SALEM 1761-1994, a
470-page history with 450 illustrations and, for its Bicentennial, JOUR-
NEY OF FAITH - THE OLD WHITE CHURCH, a 50-page history of Salem's First
United Presbyterian Church; in addition, in 2006, Kay Tomasi was named
to the then newly-formed Historic Saratoga-Washington County on the
Hudson Partnership; and
WHEREAS, Besides working to preserve the area's past, Kay Tomasi has
served her community's present through her church, the former Mary
McClellan Hospital, Meikleknox Retirement Home, Washington County
Women's Club, Bancroft Library, and the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce,
often serving as a chair or office holder; also a longtime member of the
Salem Women's Club, she has served the club in many capacities and has
been Treasurer of its foundation's Scholarship Committee for over 25
years and organized its Woman's Health Day for two; and
WHEREAS, Kay Tomasi and her husband, Jim, are the proud parents of a
son and have two grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention
it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend them for the edifica-
tion and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Katharine L. Tomasi upon the occasion of her designation by Girl
Scouts of Northeastern New York as a 2009 Woman of Distinction; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Katharine L. Tomasi.