Senate Resolution No. 379

BY: Senator BONACIC

COMMENDING Pine Island Turf upon the occasion of
celebrating its 50th Anniversary on August 28, 2016

WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon
which our distinct American heritage is built; New York State and the
entire United States are dependent on our agricultural industry for a
variety of products; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
milestones of those farms which substantially contribute to the economic
vitality of their communities and the entire Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Pine Island Turf upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th
Anniversary at a barbecue for customers and staff on August 28, 2016;
and

WHEREAS, In 1966, Charles "Charlie" Lain established Pine Island
Turf; he and his wife, Shari cultivated sod, soybeans and barley on 15
acres of prime farm land; and

WHEREAS, In 1995, Charlie and Shari Lain's son, Charles "Chip" Lain
Jr., bought the business, and currently, holds the title of President
and Kelsy Lain Gurda serves as Vice President of this proudly run family
farm; and

WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of the brother and
sister duo, Pine Island Turf farms 800 acres: 500 for pine turf sod, 250
soybeans, and 50 for malting barley; and

WHEREAS, For half a century, Pine Island Turf, through the tireless
work of the Lain family, has supplied Orange County with quality sod,
soybeans and barley; since its inception, the farm has sold enough sod
to cover 3,000 football fields or 45,000 average home lawns; and

WHEREAS, Through their diligence and expertise in farming, the Lain
family has brought pride and recognition to their local community, and
to our great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and
applaud the leaders of the agricultural industry whose accomplishments
contribute to the economic health and prosperity of the communities of
the State of New York and to the quality of life of its people; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Pine Island Turf upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th
Anniversary on August 28, 2016; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Charles Lain Jr., President, Pine Island Turf.