LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Mary Holmes Reid upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the 2015 Bay Shore-Brightwaters Distin-
guished Citizen 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, Mary Holmes Reid has given not only of her time and energies
but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special recognition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Mary
Holmes Reid upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
2015 Bay Shore-Brightwaters Distinguished Citizen Award, to be cele-
brated at the 15th Annual Award Dinner hosted by the Chamber of Commerce
of Greater Bay Shore and the Bay Shore BID, to be held on Thursday,
April 30, 2015, at Captain Bill's Restaurant, Bay Shore, New York; and
WHEREAS, Mary Holmes Reid was the oldest of four children born to the
late George and Mamie Holmes, in North Carolina; in 1947, she and her
family re-located to Bay Shore, New York; and
WHEREAS, Upon their arrival, the Holmes family became members of the
First Baptist Church of Bay Shore, and young Mary was enrolled in the
Fifth Avenue Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, A faithful parishioner of her church, Mary Holmes Reid played
the piano on several occasions, including Sunday school, church
services, funerals, and weddings; she also sang with the youth choirs,
Beaman Family Choir, and today, she still sings with the 8 AM Choir; and
WHEREAS, A much loved student at the Bay Shore schools, Mary Holmes
Reid's abilities and varied activities earned her the coveted Leader's
Club Gold Key; upon graduating from high school in 1954, she went on to
study at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Geneseo; and
WHEREAS, Mary Holmes Reid then accepted a job at Pilgrim Psychiatric
Center; her valuable skills enabled her to quickly rise through the
ranks, enjoying many positions, especially working with the Youth Oppor-
tunity Program (YOP); and
WHEREAS, Mary Holmes Reid was the first female to be elected to the
esteemed position of Regional Coordinator of the Public Employees Feder-
ation (PEF) of Long Island; during this time, she furthered her educa-
tion by attending Suffolk Community College, SUNY Stony Brook, and the
George Meany School of Labor Relations; and
WHEREAS, For more than four decades, Mary Holmes Reid has been the
owner/operator of her own income tax consultation and preparation busi-
ness; she also uses her expertise to prepare taxes for retirees at the
local library; and
WHEREAS, Active in her community, Mary Holmes Reid is known for her
dedicated efforts to improving life for people from different races,
religions, and backgrounds, making Bay Shore a better place in which to
live and work together; and
WHEREAS, Mary Holmes Reid has been called upon to contribute her time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of herself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Mary Holmes Reid's volunteer activities are extensive, rang-
ing from civil rights, education, social services, religious, labor
relations, politics, and family relations; presently, she works with the
Bay Shore Summit, and its recently formed School Task Force; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Mary Holmes Reid holds the position of President
of both the Brentwood Public Library Board of Trustees and the Long
Island Retiree Chapter of PEF; she is also Chairperson of the First
Baptist Church Property Development Committee, and the Political Educa-
tion Committee; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Mary Holmes Reid was a vital member of the Bay
Shore Tri-centennial Committee, helping to organize the first Houses of
Worship Tour in Bay Shore, and to promote the "Under the Big Tent"
community event; and
WHEREAS, Despite her busy schedule, Mary Holmes Reid finds time to
coordinate neighborhood watch activities, and babysit her grandchildren
and great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Mary Holmes Reid has been the recipient of numerous awards
and accolades, but is most proud of her induction into the Bay Shore
High School Hall of Fame in 2008; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by her husband, Steven Alfred Reid, with her
throughout have been her 100 year old mother, Mamie Holmes, and her
three children, Karl, Stefanie, Stacey, as well as their families, all
of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Mary Holmes Reid has
stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of her colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Mary Holmes Reid has displayed
throughout her life; 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 recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Mary Holmes Reid upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the 2015 Bay Shore-Brightwaters Distinguished Citizen Award; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mary Holmes Reid.