LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Ruth Pelham upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Eighth Annual Mary G. Breslin Volunteer
Service Award

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Ruth
Pelham upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Eighth
Annual Mary G. Breslin Volunteer Service Award, to be celebrated on
Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at the George E. Hanner Chapel Cultural Center,
Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Pelham is a performer, songwriter, educator, advocate,
and activist; she is nationally known and is continually recognized by a
variety of diverse groups for her work to educate and advocate for
people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, In 1977, Ruth Pelham created what was to be a six-week summer
program called Music Mobile; now operating year round, Music Mobile
increasingly develops and presents innovative music and creative arts
in-school and after-school programs as well as resource materials for
teachers, parents, children, and human service professionals; and
WHEREAS, The most visible and central part of the program occurs
during the summer when Ruth Pelham and the Music Mobile's staff drive
the colorfully decorated Music Mobile van to street corners, parks,
public housing sites, schools, libraries, and community centers to gath-
er people young and old who wish to sing together and learn more from
her; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Pelham teaches about social responsibility, compassion,
environmental awareness, kindness, and mutual understanding; thirty-six
years and tens of thousands of people later, Music Mobile remains a
vital part of the Capital Region's cultural fabric; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Pelham has won awards including: the James and Pearl
Campbell Peace and Justice Award from the Capital Area Council of
Churches; Artists Peace Award by Hudson Valley Community College; the
Four Chaplains Brotherhood Award presented by the Albany Chapter of the
Jewish War Veterans of the United States; the Peer Recognition Award by
the Albany Agency Executives Association of the Council of Community
Services; and the 20th Century Women of Excellence Award from the
Women's Business Council of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of
Commerce, to name a few; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Ruth Pelham upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Eighth Annual Mary G. Breslin Volunteer Service Award; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ruth Pelham.