LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Craig Thompson upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Excellence in Disability Leadership
Award by the Capital District Center for Independence, Inc. on April 24,
2014

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, Craig Thompson has given not only of his time and energies
but also of his competence, intelligence and leadership and consequently
has been designated for special honor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Craig Thompson
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Excellence in
Disability Leadership Award by the Capital District Center for Independ-
ence, Inc., at its 17th Annual Celebration of Independence Awards Lunch-
eon on Thursday, April 24, 2014, at the Polonaise Banquet and Conference
Center, Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Craig Thompson has been called upon to contribute his time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, After 35 years of dedication to the New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation and 18 years as Five Rivers Center Direc-
tor, Craig Thompson retired on June 14, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Through the countless programs and initiatives he fostered at
Five Rivers, Craig Thompson has made a significant contribution to envi-
ronmental education in the region, and in recent years, his vision has
focused on increasing access to trails and ponds for people with disa-
bilities; and
WHEREAS, Craig Thompson's hard work, compassion, and tireless efforts
in making Five Rivers Environmental Education Center accessible to
people with disabilities, resulted in two wheelchair accessible trails
at the Center; braille, large print, and audio format guides are also
available at the visitor center for each trail; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Craig Thompson has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Craig Thompson has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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 Craig Thompson upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Excellence in Disability Leadership Award by the Capital District
Center for Independence, Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Craig Thompson.