LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Historical Society of Rockland
County upon the occasion of hosting its 2016 Annual Dinner, and paying
tribute to this year's honorees

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 organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Historical Society of Rockland County upon the occasion of hosting
its 2016 Annual Dinner on Sunday, March 6, 2016, at The View on the
Hudson, Piermont, New York, and paying tribute to this year's honorees;
and
WHEREAS, The 2016 honorees include Marianne B. Leese, who will be
receiving the Lifetime Service Award; Joseph P. Gordon, the recipient of
the Community Service Award; and David Lipman, who will be receiving the
Living Landmark Award; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after moving to Rockland County in 1976, Marianne B.
Leese began volunteering at the Historical Society of Rockland County;
when the new museum was dedicated in 1977, she helped install its first
exhibition; and
WHEREAS, Rockland County Senior Historian Marianne B. Leese is the
former editor of the Historical Society's quarterly journal, "South of
the Mountains" and continues to serve as contributing editor; in addi-
tion, she has been involved with the historical marker program for 30
years and co-chairs the Collections Committee; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong resident of Haverstraw, New York, and an esteemed
United States Navy veteran, Joseph P. Gordon is the oldest living member
of General Warren Emergency Company No. 2 as well as the oldest surviv-
ing Chief of the Haverstraw Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Always mindful of the community, Joseph P. Gordon has served
on numerous Boards and volunteered for numerous groups including the
Haverstraw-Stony Point Central School District Board, the Board of Coop-
erative Educational Services, the Haverstraw Village Democratic Commit-
tee, the Haverstraw Ambulance Corps, the Village Board of Haverstraw,
the Haverstraw Garden Club, the New York State Liquid Asphalt Dealers
Association and the Rockland County Volunteer Firefighters Association
as well as the Historical Society of Rockland County; and
WHEREAS, David Lipman is a lifelong Hillcrest-Spring Valley resident
and a decorated veteran of the United States Army, who received the
Bronze Star; and
WHEREAS, After earning a degree in Civil Engineering from New York
University, David Lipman worked for the family business in Garnerville,
New York, until he retired in the 1980s; and
WHEREAS, David Lipman has been an advocate for education and social
justice in the East Ramapo School District; he has participated in the
Israeli Defense Force and Volunteers for Israel; and
WHEREAS, In addition, David Lipman travels and reads avidly, maintains
his professional engineer's license and spends winters in Puerto Rico, a
favorite location for 40 years; and
WHEREAS, All three members are prime examples of truly great citizens
who have dedicated their lives to bettering their communities; they have
been called upon to contribute their time and talents to countless civic
and charitable endeavors and have always given of themselves unstinting-
ly; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of their community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Marianne B. Leese, Joseph P. Gordon,
and David Lipman have stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor;
and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Marianne B. Leese, Joseph P. Gordon, and
David Lipman have displayed throughout their lives; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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
commend the Historical Society of Rockland County upon the occasion of
hosting its 2016 Annual Dinner, and paying tribute to this year's hono-
rees; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Historical Society of Rockland County and the aforemen-
tioned honorees Marianne B. Leese, Joseph P. Gordon, and David Lipman.