LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Chris Ashman upon the occasion of his
designation by the Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. as
the recipient of its 2012 Silver Bell Award on February 4, 2012

WHEREAS, It is the practice 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 organiza-
tions, businesses, and individuals who devote themselves to the welfare
of the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Chris Ashman upon the occasion of his designation by the Mental Health
Association in Orange County, Inc. (MHA) as the recipient of its 2012
Silver Bell Award; and
WHEREAS, The Mental Health Association of Orange County seeks to
promote the positive mental health and emotional well-being of Orange
County residents, working toward reducing the stigma of mental illness
and developmental disabilities, and providing support to victims of
sexual assault and other crimes; and
WHEREAS, Working in partnership with service recipients, families,
volunteers and the community, MHA strives to fulfill its mission through
advocacy, direct service, education and information dissemination; and
WHEREAS, Each year the Mental Health Association in Orange County,
Inc. proudly honors outstanding organizations, businesses, and members
of the community who give unselfishly of themselves to help make the
lives of others fulfilling, recognizing them for their dedication to the
community and their commitment to MHA's mission; and
WHEREAS, Chris Ashman will be honored by the Mental Health Association
in Orange County, Inc. with its prestigious Silver Bell Award at its
2012 Silver Ball to be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012, at the Round
Hill House in Washingtonville, New York; and
WHEREAS, A native of Orange County, Chris Ashman earned a bachelor's
degree from Iona College and a master's degree from the University of
Tennessee in Knoxville; from 1971 to 1973, he worked as a United States
Peace Corps volunteer in a teacher training college in Ghana, West Afri-
ca; and
WHEREAS, Chris Ashman has worked professionally in the mental health
field for 38 years, over 30 of which were in Orange County government;
in 1989, Chris Ashman was appointed Chief Administrative Officer in the
Orange County Executive's Office and, since 1991, he has ably served as
Commissioner of the Orange County Department of Mental Health; through-
out his career, he has been involved with numerous local and statewide
health and mental health initiatives; and
WHEREAS, A true citizen of Orange County, Chris Ashman believes in
giving back to the community he loves so much; he is a member and Past
President of the Goshen Rotary Club and volunteers his time with Saint
John's Church in Goshen, the Boy Scouts of America, New York Special
Olympics and the American Red Cross, to name just a few; he has also
served and continues to serve on numerous community boards, councils and
committees; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Kathleen, and their
two children and three grandchildren, all of whom feel privileged to be
a part of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
recognize Chris Ashman for his unwavering commitment to mental health
and the Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. as it provides

an uncompromising standard of excellence in the delivery of superlative
service to the communities and citizens it so ably serves; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble accomplishments are brought to our attention, 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
commend Chris Ashman upon the occasion of his designation by the Mental
Health Association in Orange County, Inc. as the recipient of its 2012
Silver Bell Award on February 4, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Chris Ashman.