Senate Resolution No. 3018

BY: Senator HELMING

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of Cornell
Cooperative Extension of Seneca County on December
9, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that the
continuing welfare of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly
enriched and reliably served by the purposeful endeavors of individuals
who are committed to the preservation of our agriculture industry and
the enhancement of the appreciation of the distinctive features of our
surroundings; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Cornell Cooperative Extension
of Seneca County; this momentous occasion will be celebrated at an event
on Saturday, December 9, 2017, at Rodman Lott & Sons Farm in Seneca
Falls, New York; and

WHEREAS, In addition, this auspicious milestone will be feted with a
myriad of other events throughout the period of December of 2017 until
December of 2018, beginning and ending with a special dinner; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception on December of 1917, Cornell
Cooperative Extension of Seneca County (CCESC) has responded to the
needs of local residents with unbiased, research-based information,
tools and education that people have come to depend on and trust; and

WHEREAS, As of 2012, there were more than 580 farms, which occupy up
to 62% of land area in Seneca County; in New York State, the County was
ranked number one in hog production and the number of sheep, ranked
number two for number of wineries, and ranked number three in soybean
bushels harvested; these products and other agricultural goods are
valued at $119 million; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, CCESC puts knowledge to work
in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability, and social
well-being; it brings local experience and research-based solutions
together, helping the county's families and communities thrive in
today's rapidly changing world; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 100 year history, CCESC has
demonstrated continuous service to the residents and communities which
it serves, putting to practical use the scholarship and research of
Cornell University and the national land grant system in the areas of
agriculture and food systems sustainability; families, nutrition, health
and safety; 4-H youth development; environmental and natural resource
enhancement; and community and economic vitality; and

WHEREAS, CCESC also supports county agriculture through four
Regional Agricultural teams: Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock and
Field Crops Team, Cornell Vegetable Program, Finger Lakes Grape Program,
and Harvest New York Team; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, CCESC has organized several events to raise
awareness of New York's agricultural products including a yearly Finger
Lakes Craft Beverage Conference, 4-H Outdoor Education Field Day,
Recycling Education in Seneca County, Empire Farm Days, the Master
Garden Program, "Celebrate Seneca County Agriculture Night," "The Finger
Lakes Ag Report," and originated the Seneca County Root Beer Float; and

WHEREAS, The success of CCESC is in direct correlation to the
efforts of its staff and volunteers, whose involvement is, and always
has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled
enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all
endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents an opportunity for this
Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to CCESC; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, 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
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Cornell Cooperative Extension of
Seneca County; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County.