LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the James J. McCann Charitable
Trust upon the occasion of its designation for special recognition as
recipient of the 2010 Friends of the Arts Award by Mill Street Loft

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted 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 congratu-
late the James J. McCann Charitable Trust upon the occasion of being
designated as recipient of the 2010 Friend of the Arts Award by Mill
Street Loft; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Thursday,
March 4, 2010, at the Loft's 30th Anniversary Friend of the Arts Award
event, to be held at the Poughkeepsie Grandview; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1980, Mill Street Loft is celebrating its 30th
Anniversary as a not-for-profit community-based Multi-Arts Educational
Center in the City of Poughkeepsie; and
WHEREAS, Under the expert leadership of its Executive Director, Carole
J. Wolf, Mill Street Loft is dedicated to bringing a wide range of
creative, culturally enriching programs to diverse audiences throughout
the Hudson Valley; and
WHEREAS, The James J. McCann Charitable Trust is the extraordinary
legacy of the late James J. McCann, a self-described old-fashioned feed
and grain Main Street merchant who said, "I want to help those kids";
and
WHEREAS, Mill Street Loft is a proud recipient of funds from the James
J. McCann Charitable Trust and acknowledges Trustees, John J. Gartland
Jr., Michael G. Gartland and Richard V. Corbally Jr. for their work in
carrying out Mr. McCann's goal of "progressive human welfare work" in
the Hudson Valley community; and
WHEREAS, Funds and continuing support from the James J. McCann Chari-
table Trust have enabled Mill Street Loft to provide a wide range of
creative, culturally enriching programs to diverse audiences throughout
the Hudson Valley; these funds assist in developing new facilities,
expanding and renovating existing ones, and supporting arts and educa-
tion, among the Loft's many community activities; and
WHEREAS, A multi-year grant commitment from the James J. McCann Chari-
table Trust, enabled Mill Street Loft to purchase and renovate its
facility at 45 Pershing Avenue in Poughkeepsie, and complete
construction on its new entrance and parking area; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the sponsorship of the James J. McCann Charita-
ble Trust, provided for hundreds of aspiring art students from seven
Mid-Hudson Valley counties to attend the annual Regional Portfolio Day
each November where representatives from more than 40 of the nation's
leading colleges, universities and schools of art review and critique
students' portfolios and provide guidance in the college admissions
process; and
WHEREAS, For 40 years, the James J. McCann Charitable Trust has been
dedicated to improving the lives of the Hudson Valley community and its
citizens; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when an organ-
ization of such noble aims and accomplishments is brought to our atten-
tion, it should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the James J. McCann Charitable Trust upon the occasion of
being designated as recipient of the 2010 Friend of the Arts Award by
Mill Street Loft; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the James J. McCann Charitable Trust.