LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Steve Peterson upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award by the
Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce

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, Steve Peterson 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 commend Steve Peter-
son upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Citizen of
the Year Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce to be celebrated at
its 30th Annual Awards Dinner on Friday, April 17, 2015, at the Cyprus
Shrine Center, Glenmont, New York; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1957, the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce works
on a local and regional level to advance economic development and foster
a positive business environment; it offers resources for residents,
business, recreation and relocation in Bethlehem and the surrounding
region; and
WHEREAS, Steve Peterson is a resident of Glenmont who has devoted over
eight years and countless hours to helping young people both on and off
the baseball field; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man was instrumental in the founding and
development of Bethlehem Mickey Mantle and the Braves Travel Baseball
Organization, which works to provide youth with the opportunity to play
organized and competitive baseball, train with world-class athletes and
to learn the importance of discipline and dedication, teamwork and
sportsmanship; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 2007 with two teams, the Braves Travel Baseball
Organization now offers six teams, and provides year-round baseball
opportunities for 13-22 year olds; it also offers opportunities for
financially challenged families who would not otherwise have the chance
to play travel baseball; and
WHEREAS, Steve Peterson 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, Through his work with the Braves Travel Baseball Organiza-
tion, Steve Peterson has given young athletes the opportunity to give
back to their communities through both sponsorship and volunteering at
events including the Bethlehem Turkey Trot which benefits the Bethlehem
Food Pantry; and
WHEREAS, The Braves Travel Baseball Organization also sponsors a proud
Bethlehem tradition, hosting the Annual 4th of July Vintage 1864 Base-
ball game, a highlight of the Town Park's Fourth of July Family Cele-
brations; and
WHEREAS, Steve Peterson has further demonstrated his commitment to
improving community life by developing the Bethlehem Youth Sports Coun-
cil and the Heads UP Safe Sports, which raises awareness and provides
education on the importance of safety in the world of sports; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Steve Peterson 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 Steve Peterson has displayed
throughout his life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Steve Peterson upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Citizen of the Year Award by the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Steve Peterson.