LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Philip Giller, upon the occasion of
receiving the Men of Distinction Award on June 10, 2010

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, Philip Giller has given not only of his time and energies but
also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently has
been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Philip
Giller, upon the occasion of receiving the Men of Distinction Award on
June 10, 2010, at the 3rd Annual Men of Distinction Award Ceremony; and
WHEREAS, For Philip Giller, hard work and dedication are a way of life
and for over 30 years, he has made countless contributions to his commu-
nity, with no task too large, or too small, to tackle; his work has
revitalized the Sebago Canoe Club, creating a beloved place for Brook-
lynites to kayak and canoe and as a Foreman at Hudson Scenic and proud
member of Local 1 IATSE, he has created magic on countless Broadway
stages over the years; and
WHEREAS, When Philip Giller joined the Sebago Canoe Club in Canarsie,
Brooklyn nearly ten years ago, he took it upon himself to bring about
improvement; Sebago is a completely volunteer operated canoe and kayak-
ing club by the Paerdaget Basin; Phil's hard work and dedication was
recognized immediately and he was elected Commodore; and
WHEREAS, Under Philip Giller's leadership Sebago became recognized an
an official non-profit, and acquired a significant amount in public
grants to provide free community programs and much needed capital
improvements; those improvements included a new gate, renovations and a
much needed new dock to accommodate their increased membership; and
WHEREAS, Today, due in part to his dedication and the commitment of
their members, Sebago Canoe Club offers kayaking classes and programs to
adults and children from both Brooklyn and the other boroughs of New
York City; these programs offer an invaluable opportunity for city youth
to get out on the water, have fun and learn to kayak; and
WHEREAS, Although Philip Giller is no longer the Commodore of the
club, he continues to give back as a member of the executive board, and
is responsible for capital projects and finding new grants; he also
serves on the executive board of the New York City Water Trails Associ-
ation, a group of 40 boating organizations throughout the five boroughs;
and
WHEREAS, Phil Giller's work with Sebago Canoe Club is a shining exam-
ple of what is possible when the community works together toward a
common goal; Sebago is a true success story of volunteers who, through
enthusiastic hard work and dedication, are able to do what some thought
was too difficult; the success of Sebago Canoe Club is a testament to
its devoted members and the dedication of Philip Giller; and
WHEREAS, Philip Giller is a dedicated family man, and proud to have
raised two wonderful children, David and Abby, with his wonderful wife,
Sarah; his children, now young adults, both live in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Philip Giller has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Philip Giller 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 Philip Giller has displayed through-
out his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Philip Giller, upon the occasion of receiving the Men of
Distinction Award on June 10, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Philip Giller.