Senate Resolution No. 4253

BY: Senator GALLIVAN

COMMENDING Florence Merle upon the occasion of her
retirement after 80 years of distinguished service
to Merle Maple Farms

WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon
which our distinct American heritage is built; and

WHEREAS, New York State and the entire United States is dependent on
our agricultural industry for a variety of food products; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the
efforts of our sugar makers as they continue their hard work of turning
sap into maple syrup, perpetuating this cherished New York tradition,
and positively impacting our economy, environment, and way of life; and

WHEREAS, Maple has been recognized as one of the foundations for New
York State's agriculture; as the second state in the country for maple
syrup production, New York produces over 700,000 gallons of syrup from
over 2.5 million taps; and

WHEREAS, It takes 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of maple
syrup; in addition, maple makes many products sold throughout the State
and nation including maple fluff, maple coffee, maple cream and maple
candy; and

WHEREAS, New York maple providers are distributed across New York
State and have expanded over the last five years; maple operations reach
over 500,000 visitors throughout New York; and

WHEREAS, A legend in New York State's maple business, Florence Merle
has seen this valuable industry advance and modernize throughout the
last eight decades; and

WHEREAS, In 1940, Florence married her late husband, Arthur Merle,
and together, they worked on his family's maple farm; as a young woman,
she learned how to tap, can and boil sap in the kitchen; today, the
staff of Merle Farms uses state-of-the-art, high-efficiency evaporators
and tubing to produce a variety of maple products; and

WHEREAS, Florence Merle has worn many hats on the farm; she was most
proud of her role as an educator, diligently working to promote the
latest advancements and technologies in maple syrup production; and

WHEREAS, For their steadfast and unremitting commitment to educating
the general public about the maple industry, Florence and Arthur Merle
were the recipients of numerous awards and accolades including the
Hubbell Award; and

WHEREAS, Today, at the age of 103, Florence Merle continues to be a
vital part of the fourth generation family-owned business; she always
greets visitors with a warm smile and a fresh sample of some of the
farm's delicious products; she also likes to pack maple sugar, and each

year, she looks forward to Maple Weekend where she can talk to visitors
and explain how maple syrup is made; and

WHEREAS, For the past 80 years, Florence Merle rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to Merle Maple Farms; and

WHEREAS, Through her diligence and expertise in maple syrup
production, Florence Merle has brought pride and recognition to herself,
her local community, and to our great Empire State; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Florence Merle upon the occasion of her retirement after 80
years of distinguished service to Merle Maple Farms; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Florence Merle.