LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Pat Fritts upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award by the Bethle-
hem Chamber of Commerce on February 12, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge those exemplary individuals whose purposeful lives
and distinguished careers have been committed to bettering the quality
of life in this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Pat
Fritts upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Citizen
of the Year Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Pat Fritts will be honored at the Bethlehem Chamber of
Commerce's 24th Annual Awards Reception to be held on Thursday, February
12, 2009, at Normanside Country Club, Delmar, New York; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Pat Fritts has been called
upon to contribute her time and talents to countless civic and charita-
ble endeavors and has always given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Delmar, New York, Pat Fritts has volunteered
for many years coordinating the Adopt a Family program for the Town of
Bethlehem; started over 25 years ago by the school nurses in the Bethle-
hem School District, the voluntary program has helped thousands of chil-
dren have a happy holiday season thanks to the generosity of local busi-
nesses and residents, such as Pat; and
WHEREAS, Pat Fritts is responsible for matching sponsors with needy
families whose children would not have much of a holiday season without
this wonderful program; every year, early in the fall, she asks busi-
nesses and local citizens to agree to sponsor or adopt a family; the
children create a wish list and Pat and her sponsors fill those wishes,
for bicycles, stuffed animals, clothing and toys; the families also
receive a turkey for Christmas dinner; and
WHEREAS, Pat Fritts' selfless actions during one of the busiest times
of year ensures that all those who are less fortunate are able to cele-
brate the holiday season; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Pat Fritts has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Pat Fritts has displayed throughout
her life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those individ-
uals for the edification and emulation of others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Pat Fritts upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Citizen of the Year Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Pat Fritts.