LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Phil-
lipsport Community Center in Phillipsport, New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
illustrious organizations within this great State and Nation whose focus
and intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in
their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 60th Anniversary of the Phillipsport Community Center in Phil-
lipsport, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Phillipsport Community Center Association, Inc. is a
community-based volunteer resource center which diligently works to
identify, develop, and facilitate caring and vital support services
which are not provided by the local government or community; and
WHEREAS, The Phillipsport Community Center Association, Inc. strives
to enhance the quality of life for all members of its community through
social, educational, recreational, and health programs; and
WHEREAS, Housed in the historic Phillipsport Schoolhouse, the Phil-
lipsport Community Center has been an enduring presence in the Mamakat-
ing Valley community of Sullivan County, New York, since its inception
in 1956; and
WHEREAS, After the 100-year-old Phillipsport Schoolhouse closed, a
group of concerned neighbors were afraid that the historic, one-room
school would fall to serious disrepair; the worried citizens, many of
whom had attended the school, decided to form a community association
and purchase the building in 1947; unfortunately, their offer was not
accepted; and
WHEREAS, In 1955, Anna Budd took the train to Albany, New York, to
meet with her friend, then Governor Lehman; miraculously, a deal was
reached, and the association purchased the Phillipsport Schoolhouse for
$1 from the Ellenville School District; and
WHEREAS, One year later, the association prepared a letter of incorpo-
ration; the dynamic group held tag sales, penny socials, suppers, and
luncheons to raise funds to dig a new well; later, a kitchen was
installed, and then, a bathroom; eventually, the building was freshly
painted by inmates from the Eastern Correctional facility; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the last six decades, many others joined these
early preservationists who had the foresight to recognize the value of
this property to local history and to the community; the original group
included Anna Budd, Bill and Margaret Morgan, Frank and Marian Blades,
Bill and Cynthia Ringle, Nate and Frances Budd, Dorothy Fasanella, Niki
and Lenore, and numerous others; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Morgans, the Blades, Mike and Evelyn Jarvis,
Gloria and Denise Falzon, Edith Hehrshenhart, Marcia Zimmerman, Judy
Frank, Mark Sarazen, and Matthew Migliaccio have all held the leadership
position of President of the association; and
WHEREAS, Today, the association is comprised of many generous members
and benefactors who strive to continue preservation efforts to the
historic schoolhouse, and make substantial contributions to local chari-
ties each year; and
WHEREAS, After 60 years of service, the Phillipsport Community Center
continues to assist youth, seniors, the underprivileged, and others
within the community through donations, fundraisers, gifts, and services
in kind; and
WHEREAS, The success of Phillipsport Community Center is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its volunteers and staff, whose involve-

ment 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 this institution and the community it serves;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions 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
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Phillipsport Community Center in
Phillipsport, New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Phillipsport Community Center Association, Inc.