Senate Resolution No. 740

BY: Senator BONACIC

HONORING Clifford and Martha Upright for more than
50 years of steadfast and unwavering dedication to
the Mountain View United Methodist Church of Walker
Valley, New York

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have 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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Clifford and
Martha Upright for more than 50 years of steadfast and unwavering
dedication to the Mountain View United Methodist Church of Walker
Valley, New York; this momentous occasion was celebrated with a Service
in their honor led by Reverend Robb Hewitt on Sunday, January 22, 2017;
and

WHEREAS, Clifford and Martha Upright, affectionately known as Cliff
and Marty, have given tirelessly of their time and energies to Mountain
View United Methodist Church for more than five decades; true stewards
of the Church, the couple has been an intricate part of its operation
for as long as anyone can remember; and

WHEREAS, Marty Upright has played the organ for more than 40 years,
leading parishioners in musical worship Sunday after Sunday, holiday
after holiday, rarely missing a service; known for her beautiful voice,
she also served as choir director; and

WHEREAS, With an incredible devotion and dedication to Mountain View
United Methodist Church, Cliff Upright has sincerely been the glue that
holds the church together, checking its systems daily to ensure all is
functioning properly; he also spent many years as a Sunday school
teacher, Lay Leader, and head of religious education; and

WHEREAS, Cliff Upright is also retiring from the Church's board of
trustees after 44 years of dedicated service; he began as a member in
1972, and was voted in as the chairman in 1977; and

WHEREAS, Cliff and Marty Upright treated Mountain View United
Methodist Church as if it were their home, and its parishioners as
family; they decorated the church for Christmas each year, and attended
all church picnics and functions; and

WHEREAS, With them throughout have been their three sons, David,
Mark and Kevin, and seven grandchildren, Tiffany, Troy, Jordyn, Matthew,
Sydney, Jacob and Emma, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of
their lives and rejoice in their achievements; and

WHEREAS, Cliff and Marty Upright have personified the spirit of
voluntarism, demonstrating a gift for leadership, a devotion to family,
a commitment to their church, and a determination to make their
community a better place in which to live; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Cliff and Marty Upright, that future generations may know and appreciate
their admirable character, their many benevolent deeds, and the respect
and esteem in which they are held by their peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Clifford and Martha Upright for more than 50 years of steadfast
and unwavering dedication to the Mountain View United Methodist Church
of Walker Valley, New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Clifford and Martha Upright.