Senate Resolution No. 2386

BY: Senator BORRELLO

COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of Swain
Resort, New York State's oldest continuously run,
independently owned ski resort

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
of life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by
the availability of exceptional recreational facilities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Swain Resort, New York State's
oldest continuously run, independently owned ski resort; and

WHEREAS, Dave and Bina Robinson founded the Swain Ski Slopes in
1947, after World War II; the initial property was purchased from Erma
Babcock and John Brewer, the latter of whom had a trail named after him;
and

WHEREAS, Swain Ski Patrol was established with the opening of the
ski area and remains one of the oldest volunteer chapters in the
country; and

WHEREAS, The Robinsons credit many local citizens with helping to
open the ski area, including Dick Clark, Lee and Bob Blades, Charlie
Kreiley, Bill Pierce and Fred Blakely among others, many of whom
graciously lent their names to trails; and

WHEREAS, During its humble beginnings, the ski area was wholly
dependent on natural snow for the first decade of its existence, and
most of the first trails were cleared by hand using rakes, shovels and
other equipment; in addition, many workers carefully combed the area for
rocks and tree roots which could potentially tear up skis; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, in the early years prior to the business'
ability to hire proper groomers, workers sidestepped up the hills to
stamp down the snow to create a base; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, Swain Resort has continued to grow and
was recognized as a leader in snowmaking technology; and

WHEREAS, Swain Resort recruited only the best talent in the industry
to create a ski school, which saw the development of Olympic athletes
such as AJ Kitt and Diann Roffe, and its Ski Clubs introduced thousands
of new skiers to the sport through racing programs, school club
initiatives and club trips; and

WHEREAS, The success of Swain Resort is in direct correlation to the
efforts of its dedicated staff, 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 Swain Resort; and

WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body
acknowledges the success of Swain Resort and recognizes its
contributions to the local and state economies, fully confident that it
will continue to enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus
far; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Swain Resort; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Swain Resort.