LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Elinor Mettler for her dedicated commu-
nity leadership

WHEREAS, A great community is only as great as those persons and organ-
izations that provide exemplary service, whether through participation
in voluntary programs, through unique personal achievement in their
profession or other endeavors, or simply through a lifetime of good
citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor
Elinor Mettler for her dedicated community leadership on June 20, 2009,
during Copake Community Day; and
WHEREAS, A longtime resident of Copake Falls, Elinor Mettler founded
the ROE JAN INDEPENDENT in 1973, and served as editor and publisher
until she sold the award-winning newspaper that covered Copake, Hills-
dale, Ancram and Taghkanic in 1986; and
WHEREAS, In 1979, Elinor Mettler began using the ROE JAN INDEPENDENT
as a platform to promote the idea of turning the abandoned railbed of
the Harlem Division of Penn Central into a trail; and
WHEREAS, As a result of the efforts of Elinor Mettler, the Harlem
Valley Rail Trail Association was formed in 1985, and 27 miles of
railbed were purchased from the State in 1989; the Harlem Valley Rail
Trail currently has 15 miles of paved trail, with eight more under
development and most of the final 23 miles has been purchased; and
WHEREAS, Elinor Mettler continued to write for the ROE JAN INDEPENDENT
for many years after selling it and is currently writing her column,
"Down Maple Lane," for the new paper in Columbia County; and
WHEREAS, The quintessential civic leader, Elinor Mettler believes in
giving back to the community she loves so much; she created and organ-
ized the Roe Jan Ramble road race, which was sponsored by the ROE JAN
INDEPENDENT and raised money for the Community Rescue Squad; and
WHEREAS, Elinor Mettler also started the International Friendship
Exchange, which has brought young adults from around the world to live
with families in the area and sent local students to live with families
in other countries for over 15 years; and
WHEREAS, Deeply interested in local history, Elinor Mettler co-founded
the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society and was instrumental in the
purchase of the building that serves as its museum along with its devel-
opment and many of its annual exhibitions; she has also made a film
about farming in the region and published a book on the history of
Copake Falls; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Elinor Mettler originated Family Ski Day as the
head of the Roeliff Jansen PTA and helped start the annual Fourth of
July parade and picnic; she continues to be involved in local organiza-
tions, including fundraising for the new Roeliff Jansen Library; and
WHEREAS, With Elinor Mettler throughout have been her six children and
11 grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life
and rejoice in her many achievements; 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, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Elinor Mettler for her dedicated community leadership; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Elinor Mettler.