Senate Resolution No. 4808

BY: Senator HANNON

HONORING Suzie and Robert Alvey upon the occasion
of their designation for special recognition by the
Garden City Historical Society on May 3, 2018

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve
the best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration
and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and

WHEREAS, Suzie and Robert Alvey have given not only of their time
and energies but also of their competence, intelligence and leadership
and consequently have been designated for special honor; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Suzie and
Robert Alvey upon the occasion of their designation for special
recognition by the Garden City Historical Society, to be celebrated with
a Gala on Thursday, May 3, 2018, at The Cherry Valley Club, Garden City,
New York; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Garden City since 1955, Suzie Alvey graduated
from SUNY Albany with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art with
minors in English and Education; and

WHEREAS, Originally appointed Garden City village historian by Mayor
John Watras in 2013, Suzie Alvey currently serves as assistant
historian; in this capacity, she presents talks on various aspects of
Garden City history, collects worthy items for the Garden City Village
Archives, answers questions from residents and researchers, and
photographs local events and historic structures; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her role as assistant historian, Suzie Alvey
recently retired as a Trustee of the Historical Society, a position she
has held since 2011; she has also served as director of the Garden City
Bird Sanctuary; and

WHEREAS, Suzie Alvey has written more than 260 articles for the
Pastel Journal, Garden City News, Garden City Life, Patch.com and
several series such as "History Mystery Houses," "My History House,"
"Art and Music Now," "Top Reasons to Live in Garden City," and "Garden
City Memorials"; and

WHEREAS, A freelance artist for over 30 years, Suzie Alvey works in
oil, pastel and watercolor, creating portraits and landscapes; her
paintings and drawings are in many private collections throughout the
United States and internationally; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, Suzie Alvey was awarded the President's Volunteer
Service Award by former President Barack Obama for her extraordinary
charity work, highlighting her volunteer service in the areas of history
and the environment, as well as her work with the Garden City Community
Church, four art leagues and other charities; and

WHEREAS, A graduate of Garden City High School, Robert Alvey has
served on the Garden City Environmental Advisory Board for 10 years; and


WHEREAS, Robert Alvey founded the Garden City Bird Sanctuary, where
he devoted an additional 10 years and more than 20,000 hours to the
development and use of a Nassau County storm water basin for community
and environmental benefit; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, at the Bird Sanctuary, he sponsored over three
dozen scouts for their Eagle and Gold Award projects; and

WHEREAS, Robert Alvey has also given tirelessly of his time to the
Garden City Community Theatre where he enjoyed acting for over 15 years
in their original musical comedies; and

WHEREAS, A professional scientist with degrees in geology from
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Robert Alvey has worked as a research
scientist for Brooklyn Union Gas, completed a year-long assignment in
Saudi Arabia as consultant to the United States Army Corps of Engineers,
and has spent the last two decades as senior geologist with the USEPA
Superfund Division in New York City; and

WHEREAS, Robert Alvey has also served on an EPA task force regarding
the extensive Grumman-Navy groundwater contamination concerns in
Bethpage, and as co-chair for the EPA's Groundwater Forum of
hydrogeologic experts; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary man is currently a board member with the
New York State Consulting Professional Geologists, which was
instrumental in the passage of a New York State Professional Geologist
Licensing Act in 2016; and

WHEREAS, Known for his unique creativity, his offbeat humor as a
Mark Twain impersonator, his love of frogs and his creative writing,
Robert Alvey is also a tree enthusiast and a member of the New York
State Urban Forestry Council; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by
individuals for the benefit of others which Suzie and Robert Alvey have
displayed throughout their lives; and

WHEREAS, With them throughout have been their three daughters,
Alexis, Erin and K.C., who have all shown them love and support and
rejoice in their many achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals 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
honor Suzie and Robert Alvey upon the occasion of their designation for
special recognition by the Garden City Historical Society on May 3,
2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Suzie and Robert Alvey.