LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Florence Merle upon the occasion
of celebrating her 100th Birthday

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to
the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past
contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable
asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Florence Merle upon the occasion of celebrating her 100th Birthday;
and
WHEREAS, Florence Merle was raised on her family's farm near the
Village of Wyoming, within the Town of Middlebury, Wyoming County, New
York; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating from Warsaw High School, Florence Merle
served as the first full-time secretary in the Wyoming County 4-H; and
WHEREAS, At the age of 17, she met her future husband, Arthur, who she
married in 1940; coincidentally, their marriage included a lifetime in
the maple syrup business; and
WHEREAS Today, Florence Merle is the oldest of four generations at
Merle Maple Farm and still has an active role in its operations, includ-
ing sealing maple candy bags at the family's shop, greeting visitors,
and handing out samples during the Annual Celebration of Maple Weekend;
and
WHEREAS, Florence Merle and her husband, Arthur, both earned the
state's prestigious Hubbell Award, presented to a maple producer, in
recognition of their outstanding work on behalf of maple education; and
WHEREAS, The Merle Maple Farm has continuously expanded, and now
includes a full-fledged production space, under the luminous direction
of her youngest son, Lyle; and
WHEREAS, An inspiration to many people, Florence Merle remains a
special resource to the Merle Maple Farm, and retains a sharp knowledge
of the maple products and production; and
WHEREAS, In addition to being a Hall-of-Famer in the maple industry,
in 1936, Florence Merle, along with two dear friends, completed an
impressive cross-country road trip; and
WHEREAS, This exceptional centenarian, with her zest for life, has
inspired and enhanced the lives of her family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Florence Merle has experienced the incredible joys and
sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina and
courage to savor a full life; and
WHEREAS, This beloved woman has enriched the lives of those around her
through her joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent
charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and
WHEREAS, Today, Florence Merle is the loving mother of five children,
and the proud grandmother of one great-grandson, all of whom feel privi-
leged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recog-
nize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed
and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome
achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves
contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Florence Merle upon the occasion of her 100th Birthday; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Florence Merle.