LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the World
Awareness Children's Museum and paying tribute to 20 individuals upon
the occasion of their designation for special honor

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality of
life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by its
exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 20th Anniversary of the World Awareness Children's Museum and
pay tribute to 20 individuals upon the occasion of their designation for
special honor to be feted at a celebration on Friday, May 1, 2015, at
the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge, Queensbury, New York; and
WHEREAS, In 1985, the World Awareness Children's Museum (WACM) origi-
nated as the vision of Dr. Jacquiline S. Touba and twelve community
leaders, who believed that sharing and exchanging the visions of chil-
dren around the world would promote an appreciation of cultural diversi-
ties; and
WHEREAS, The International Arts & Culture Association (IACA) was
formed in 1985, and augmented a growing collection of children's art
with educational artifacts from around the world; to preserve these
growing collections, IACA applied to the Board of Regents of the New
York State Department of Education to become a Museum, subsequently, in
1995, the World Awareness Children's Museum was chartered; and
WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of Director Heather E.
Hickland, the World Awareness Children's Museum offers various interac-
tive and hands-on educational and art programs, as well as facilities
for school groups and birthday parties; and
WHEREAS, The World Awareness Children's Museum has chosen 20 individ-
uals, couples or families who have helped create, support, and sustain
its efforts to inspire curiosity and foster understanding and appreci-
ation of worldwide cultural diversity; and
WHEREAS, Through the planning, hard work, dreaming, and believing of
these 20 dedicated advocates, including, Don and Cindy Hess, Dr. Riza
Touba, Gretchen Steen, Paul Pontiff, Esq., Betty Dodds, Lisa Sheridan,
the Collections team, represented by Nancy Countryman, Linda Cappabian-
ca, Donna Emerson, Tina Lee-Carruthers, Joan and Byron Lapham, the
Carruthers family, represented by George Carruthers, Debra Vales and
Chris Scoville, Lynn Shanks, the Monahan family, represented by Joan
Kubricky and Linda Steves, Judy Carvin, Mary MacKrell, Elizabeth Little
Hogan, Mel Krug, and Maureen Robinson, children and families enjoy
learning about the world through art, programming, and play in a world
class children's museum; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when insti-
tutions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the World Awareness Children's Muse-
um and paying tribute to 20 individuals upon the occasion of their
designation for special honor; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Heather E. Hickland, Director, the World Awareness Children's
Museum, and the aforementioned honorees.