LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending James McGrath upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Spirit of the Catskills Award by the
Coalition to Save Belleayre

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
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 join the
Coalition to Save Belleayre in commending James McGrath upon the occa-
sion of his designation as recipient of its Spirit of the Catskills
Award at the Snowball, benefiting the Belleayre Conservatory with Tony
Lanza serving as this year's Honorary Chair; and
WHEREAS, James McGrath will receive this auspicious honor at a
Masquerade Ball held in his honor at The Emerson in Mount Tremper, New
York, on Saturday, January 24, 2015; and
WHEREAS, James McGrath retired from the esteemed position of Chief of
the Shandaken Police Department on July 18, 2014 after 34 years of
distinguished service; and
WHEREAS, The Shandaken Police Department is the respected division it
is today due in large part to the leadership and efforts of James
McGrath; and
WHEREAS, James McGrath, highly respected by both New York State and
federal agencies, has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, James McGrath has proven to be a strong supporter for
Belleayre Mountain as well as the Belleayre Music Festival; he also
sponsors deserving young athletes who could not otherwise afford to
compete in ski racing; and
WHEREAS, A successful businessman operating one of the longest running
businesses in a community, James McGrath is also an avid outdoorsman who
is recognized as an expert hunter and fisherman throughout the Catskill
Mountains; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which James McGrath has displayed through-
out his life; 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
commend James McGrath upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Spirit of the Catskills Award by the Coalition to Save Belleayre;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution; suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to James McGrath.