LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Virginia Ireland upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the 2014 First Lady of the Year Award by
Preceptor Beta Kappa Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi

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, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors,
and community service are an example and inspiration to their
colleagues, friends, family, and community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Virginia Ireland upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the 2014 First Lady of the Year Award by Preceptor Beta Kappa Chapter of
Beta Sigma Phi, to be celebrated at a luncheon on Saturday, May 17,
2014, at the Sacred Heart Parish of Sidney, New York; and
WHEREAS, Since 1975, this auspicious award has been presented to very
special women in our local communities by recognizing their distin-
guished and selfless service to the communities in which they live; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Ireland's kind heart and compassion have helped her
to touch the lives of countless people in her community; and
WHEREAS, This hardworking woman is one of the driving forces behind
the success of Operation Merry Christmas, taking over from its founder
in 1991; this worthy non-profit organization based in Sidney provides
new toys, clothing, and school supplies to local children in need during
the Christmas holidays; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Ireland serves as coordinator for Operation Merry
Christmas where she works with local businesses, churches, organiza-
tions, and individuals to make sure these needs are met; thousands of
toys, clothing, and other items are donated, which need to be organized
to assure they get to their intended families before Christmas; and
WHEREAS, Virginia Ireland has been instrumental in the local community
in other capacities including working with her Merry Christmas network
to help members of her community who may be the victims of tragedy such
as a fire, flood, or loss of a job; she always has a supply of toys,
clothing, and household goods available should the need arise; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Virginia Ireland has worked with many local
organizations such as the Red Cross, Twin Rivers Sertoma, Sidney Emer-
gency Squad, Tri-Town Theatre, Out of the Woodwork Players, and the
Sidney Alumni FFA; she also provides home respite care for local shut-
ins when their caretakers need a break; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Virginia Ireland runs a pet boarding kennel out
of her home in Bainbridge, New York; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Virginia Ireland has
stood constant in dignity, good grace, and humor, earning the respect
and admiration of her colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Virginia Ireland has displayed through-
out her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Virginia Ireland upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the 2014 First Lady of the Year Award by Preceptor Beta Kappa Chapter
of Beta Sigma Phi; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Virginia Ireland.