LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Gail C. Cunard upon the occasion of
receiving the Proximity Award from the U.S. Harness Writers Association

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize
those extraordinary individuals who have made contributions to the
success and progress of society in the course of their life's work; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Gail
C. Cunard upon the occasion of receiving the Proximity Award from the
U.S. Harness Writers Association at its writers' annual awards banquet,
to be held on Sunday, February 28, 2010, at Yonkers Raceway; and
WHEREAS, Gail Cunard, the acclaimed Director of the well-respected
Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame, has been selected as this year's
recipient of the Proximity Award, the second-highest honor in harness
racing, behind only election into the Hall of Fame, in a vote conducted
among active members of the United States Harness Writers Association;
and
WHEREAS, Born in London, England, Gail Cunard graduated with a degree
in Commerce (Business Administration) from Liverpool University's
College of Commerce; since 1995, she has served as the Director of The
Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, and continues to make her mark on
one of the most all-American of sports, through her planning, creativi-
ty, fund-raising skills, and an indefinable quality that charms all
sectors in the sport and makes them contributors to the important
historical and preservational work that The Harness Racing Museum & Hall
of Fame fulfills; and
WHEREAS, Prior to becoming Director, Gail Cunard was the Administrator
and Chief Executive Officer of The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame,
joining the institution in 1985; she was the General Manager of Goshen
Historic Track before that time; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Goshen, New York, Gail Cunard's stewardship has
led to a host of popular and informative exhibits in the Hall of Fame,
including: a collection from the history of Castleton Farms; the "3-D"
race simulator, which gives fans an idea of what it is like to guide a
horse during a race; and the recent gathering of memorabilia from the
former "World Capital of Harness Raceway", Roosevelt Raceway; and
WHEREAS, Two other popular exhibits, an extensive collection of
harness-themed Currier and Ives prints and the collection of profiles of
talented but unsung heroes of harness racing called "A Drive To Win,"
have been adapted by Gail Cunard and her staff to become traveling
exhibits, serving as emissaries for the sport and the Hall of Fame at
racetracks, art museums, and other appropriate gatherings; and
WHEREAS, Gail Cunard is also responsible for overseeing all the events
produced by the Museum during its showcase weekend annually held over
the Fourth of July, which culminates in a dinner honoring the newest
inductees into the Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Gail Cunard has been the recipient of several awards, some of
which include the 1999 Orange County Woman of Achievement, the 2008
Monticello-Goshen Chapter U.S. Harness Writers Association Excelsior
Award, and the Hervey Award for film production; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Gail Cunard's distinguished record
merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Gail C. Cunard upon the occasion of receiving the Proximity Award
from the U.S. Harness Writers Association; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Gail C. Cunard.