Senate Resolution No. 1108

BY: Senator METZGER

HONORING Agnes Van Put upon the occasion of being
named a Catskill Legend by the Catskill Fly Fishing
Center and Museum

WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the
compassion of individuals such as Agnes Van Put who uphold the values of
community life and who, through their great actions, epitomize the best
of humanity; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Agnes Van
Put upon the occasion of being named a Catskill Legend by the Catskill
Fly Fishing Center and Museum to be celebrated with a Dinner on
Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Rockland House, Roscoe, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum implemented
Catskill Legends to recognize those who have contributed their knowledge
and skills to recognize, teach, and incite their interest in the history
of the Catskills; and

WHEREAS, Agnes Van Put is receiving this auspicious award in
recognition of her hard work, dedication and passion for serving her
community over the last three and a half decades; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Agnes Van Put is a 35-year employee of the Catskill Fly
Fishing Center and Museum and an active member of Sullivan County; she
is a member of the Livingston Manor Senior Citizens Club and an honorary
member of the Women's Fly Fishing Club; and

WHEREAS, Agnes Van Put was born on August 15, 1916, in Prospect
Park, New Jersey; when her father fell ill, she began working at just 15
years old, earning eight cents an hour at Garfinkle & Ritter Inc., where
she worked five days a week and a half day on Saturdays; and

WHEREAS, Three years later, Agnes Van Put married her husband, Emil,
and together they raised two sons, Ed and Russell; in 1937, the family
moved to Hoboken, New Jersey, where, although it was uncommon for women,
she continued to work; and

WHEREAS, Agnes Van Put's integrity and work ethic never faltered,
and because of this, she found the job that made her a legend in the
Catskills; and

WHEREAS, In the 1970s, Agnes and Emil Van Put moved to the
Catskills, and immediately fell in love with the area; the couple
settled in the hamlet of Livingston Manor, converting an old barn into a
quaint little home where Agnes continues to reside today; and

WHEREAS, Officially incorporated in 1981, Agnes Van Put has been an
integral part of the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum since its
inception; this extraordinary 102-year old woman continues to work in
the gift shop where her commitment and hospitality have warmed the
hearts of countless fly fishers and visitors alike; and


WHEREAS, Agnes Van Put truly makes a lasting connection with
everyone she meets, providing them with a wealth of knowledge regarding
fly fishing; on opening day of trout season, she makes her famous
homemade soups for all of the avid fly fishers who stop in at the center
before their first cast of the season; and

WHEREAS, The recipient of numerous awards and accolades, Agnes Van
Put received the first ever T.O.A.S.T. Award from the Sullivan County
Visitors Association to honor her contributions to the community and her
ability to make visitors feel at home; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Agnes Van Put upon the occasion of being named a Catskill Legend
by the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Agnes Van Put.