LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Charles Markel upon
the occasion of their designation as recipients of the 2010 Citizens of
the Year Award by the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce

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 enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of individuals and
organizations that generously contribute 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 Mr. and Mrs. Charles Markel upon the occasion of their designation
as recipients of the 2010 Citizens of the Year Award by the Cheektowaga
Chamber of Commerce; this auspicious occasion will be celebrated on
Thursday, June 10, 2010, at the Chamber's Awards Dinner to be held at
the Millennium Hotel Buffalo in Buffalo, New York; and
WHEREAS, Lifelong residents of Erie County, Charles and Sandy Markel
have lived in the Town of Cheektowaga for the past 24 years; Sandy is a
registered nurse and Charles is a Town of Cheektowaga Council Member and
self-employed in a family-owned business; and
WHEREAS, In December 2002, Ryan, the 11-year-old son of Charles and
Sandy Markel tragically died due to an accidental drowning during a
sixth-grade swim class at Depew Middle School; and
WHEREAS, After the death of their son, Charles and Sandy Markel
decided to form the Ryan's Hope Foundation to raise public awareness and
teach lifesaving skills; they became tireless champions of pool safety,
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrilla-
tor (AED) training; since its creation, the Foundation has trained over
4,000 people in CPR and AED; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Charles and Sandy Markel worked tirelessly to
enact legislation to make changes in New York's building code to mandate
a lifeguard and additional staffing to supervise public school swimming
pool use; they are also working to require teachers and paraprofession-
als to have mandatory CPR and first aid training; and
WHEREAS, The Ryan's Hope Foundation established by Charles and Sandy
Markel also provides scholarships to deserving high school students to
continue their education; and
WHEREAS, Charles and Sandy Markel have given of their time and talents
to support myriad community activities and are always willing to help
someone less fortunate; Charles is also active in the West Seneca Kiwan-
is Club where he is past President; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Charles Markel upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients of the 2010 Citizens of the Year Award by the
Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Markel, Cheektowaga, New York.