Senate Resolution No. 3396

BY: Senator BONACIC

HONORING Graham Skea upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the first annual Malcolm
Booth Medal by the Neversink Valley Museum of
History and Innovation on December 2, 2017

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who made significant
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 honor
Graham Skea upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
first annual Malcolm Booth Medal by the Neversink Valley Museum of
History and Innovation celebrated at its Founders Dinner Event on
Saturday, December 2, 2017, at The Lynx at River Bend Golf Course in
Port Jervis, New York; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious award was created in memory of Malcolm
Booth, who diligently worked to bring recognition to the D & H Canal in
Cuddebackville, New York; due to his steadfast efforts, the Canal was
listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the D & H Canal
Park was established; and

WHEREAS, Graham Skea is receiving this inaugural award for his
steadfast and unremitting commitment to establishing the Orange County
park system; and

WHEREAS, As Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Conservation,
Graham Skea was instrumental in increasing the Orange County park system
from one park with 405 acres to nine parks of 2,000 acres and four
historic sites, two golf courses and horse show arenas, snow tubing
area, fishing ponds, campsites, and tennis courts, as well as 11 miles
of walking, skating and biking trails; and

WHEREAS, A strong advocate for public and private partnerships,
Graham Skea has worked closely with the Orange County Citizens
Foundation, other groups and individuals to reach his goal of expanding
open space to provide various recreation opportunities for the people
who live in the Hudson Valley; and

WHEREAS, Through his diligent efforts, the Parks Department and
Citizens Foundation worked together with the Neversink Valley Area
Museum to acquire the D & H Canal Park, the Orange County Heritage Trail
in partnership with Orange Pathways, and most recently, the development
of the Orange County Arboretum with committed citizens; 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
honor Graham Skea upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the first annual Malcolm Booth Medal by the Neversink Valley Museum of
History and Innovation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Graham Skea.