Senate Resolution No. 992

BY: Senator BONACIC

COMMENDING Elaine Giguere upon the occasion of her
retirement after 42 years of distinguished service
to the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance

WHEREAS, Individuals who distinguish themselves in their profession
and in service to their community and the arts merit the recognition and
appreciation of their colleagues, community, and the people of the State
of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Elaine Giguere upon the occasion of her retirement after 42
years of distinguished service to the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance; and

WHEREAS, Elaine Giguere earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in dance
with a minor in English; after graduation, she was a dance instructor at
the Brooklyn Academy of Music for five years; she was also a member of
the dance faculty at the American Dance Festival at Connecticut College
and the Harvard University Dance Institute; and

WHEREAS, In April of 1976, Elaine Giguere co-founded the Delaware
Valley Arts Council (DVAA); two years later, she held the esteemed title
of Executive Director, a position from which she will officially retire
on June 30, 2017; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Elaine Giguere has been a strong voice
for regional arts as well as for the DVAA itself; for over four decades,
she has collaborated with members, artists, staff and the Board of
Directors to advance the organization's mission and vision; and

WHEREAS, Elaine Giguere was also responsible for fundraising,
management of day-to-day operations, and the re-grant program; and

WHEREAS, As the liaison between the artist community, the public,
civic organizations, elected officials, and the Board of Directors, she
often worked outside the organization on issues which affected the arts
and artists in collaboration and joint advocacy with local and regional
businesses, tourism and environmental groups and statewide
organizations; and

WHEREAS, Under Elaine Giguere's luminous leadership, the DVAA has
served as the Arts Council for Sullivan County, New York, for over four
decades; the Alliance presents programs in the visual, performing,
literary, and media arts, and service a county- and valley-wide
constituency of artists, arts groups, and the general public; and

WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance has
strived to advance the arts in the region through support and
encouragement of artists, innovative programs, advocacy, and artistic,
business and government alliances; and

WHEREAS, Today, the DVAA consists of 300 members, many of whom
divide their time between Sullivan County and New York City; and


WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those individuals whose commitment and creative talents have
contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of the citizens
of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Elaine Giguere upon the occasion of her retirement after 42
years of distinguished service to the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Elaine Giguere.