LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Father Philip Hearn and Dennis Surace
upon the occasion of their designation as recipients of the 2014 Francis
J. Bellamy Community Awards

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, Father Philip Hearn and Dennis Surace have given not only of
their time and energies but also of their competence, intelligence and
leadership and consequently have been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Father Philip
Hearn and Dennis Surace upon the occasion of their designation as recip-
ients of the 2014 Francis J. Bellamy Community Awards by the Francis J.
Bellamy Awards Committee; these distinguished men will be celebrated at
the Francis J. Bellamy Community Awards Breakfast on Thursday, August
28, 2014, at The Beeches in Rome, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Francis J. Bellamy Community Awards were established in
2013 to recognize outstanding Rome citizens who exemplify the ideals of
Francis J. Bellamy, the author of the "Pledge of Allegiance," who was a
Rome native; and
WHEREAS, Father Philip Hearn and Dennis Surace were chosen for this
esteemed recognition for their unparalleled character, generosity, and
positive influence on the community and its residents; and
WHEREAS, Father Philip Hearn is Pastor of St. Mary's/St. Peter's
Catholic Church; this man of God has worked to meet the spiritual needs
of Rome's Catholic residents throughout his more than 45 years as a
priest; in addition, he has had a tremendous impact on youth as a high
school teacher, and high school principal; and
WHEREAS, Business and community leader Dennis Surace is Senior VP and
Regional Executive for NBT Bank; in this position he has significantly
enhanced the work of non-profit organizations in his region through his
sponsorship of events, participation in community initiatives, and lead-
ership on numerous boards of directors; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of their community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Father Philip Hearn and Dennis
Surace have stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Father Philip Hearn and Dennis Surace
have displayed throughout their lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Father Philip Hearn and Dennis Surace upon the occasion of their
designation as recipients of 2014 Francis J. Bellamy Community Awards;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Father Philip Hearn and Dennis Surace.