LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the Roxbury Arts Group upon the occasion
of its designation as recipient of the 2011 Tourism, Hospitality, and
Cultural Business of the Year Award by the Central Catskills Chamber of
Commerce on May 18, 2011

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 those busi-
nesses and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the Roxbury
Arts Group upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2011
Tourism, Hospitality, and Cultural Business of the Year Award by the
Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce, to be celebrated at its Annual
Awards Dinner on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the Hanah Mountain Resort
and Country Club in Margaretville, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce seeks to advance
the economic and community vitality of the many hamlets, villages and
towns in the greater Margaretville area and promote and foster events,
programs and initiatives that will support the Central Catskills Chamber
of Commerce members; and
WHEREAS, As the Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 31 years of service
to the community, it is proud to recognize the Roxbury Arts Group as
well as its Executive Director, Susan Kenny, for this most auspicious
award; and
WHEREAS, Tourism, Hospitality and Culture is one of the largest
segments of business in the Central Catskills economy; this award recog-
nizes the excellence and dedication of a business in this industry and
one that has shown business acumen while commitment to improving the
quality of living in the region; and
WHEREAS, The Roxbury Arts Group, incorporated in 1979, began as a
celebration of the bicentennial during 1976; from its simple origins, it
has grown into an outstanding Arts Council for Delaware County; and
WHEREAS, Many milestones have been achieved including the acquisition
of the 1922 Classic Revival YMCA building in 1988; moreover, after
extensive historically sensitive renovations, the 6000 square foot
building now contains the Walt Meade gallery, The Hilt Kelly performance
hall, and an upstairs dance studio and workshop space; and
WHEREAS, Since 1986, the Roxbury Arts Group has administered the
Decentralization Program for the New York State Council on the Arts;
coordinated by staff member Ann Epner, this program grants funds to a
broad range of individual artists and non-profit organizations through-
out Delaware County for Community Arts Projects; and
WHEREAS, In 2000, the Roxbury Arts Group acquired the historic Old
Bank building on Main Street, which became the home of its business
offices and gallery; and
WHEREAS, The Roxbury Arts Group updated a performance space formerly
known as the Stamford Performing Arts Center in 2008, which became The
Coffee House of 76 MAIN; two years later, the newly renovated Carriage
House followed; and
WHEREAS, In 2009, the Roxbury Arts Group completed a merger with the
Denver Vega Conservation Committee and took ownership of assets and
responsibility for the care, preservation and maintenance of the First
Old School Baptist Church in the Vega Valley where summer concerts are
held each year; and
WHEREAS, The Roxbury Arts Group has been guided and managed over the
years by individuals who have combined great business management with a

dedication to providing arts and cultural programming that would other-
wise not be available to its community; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when businesses
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 the Roxbury Arts Group upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the 2011 Tourism, Hospitality, and Cultural Business of the
Year Award by the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce on May 18, 2011;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Susan Kenny, Executive Director, the Roxbury Arts Group.