Assembly Resolution No. 696

BY: M. of A. McDonald

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
July 2, 2017, as Water Music NY Day in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commemorate
those events of historical significance which add strength, vigor and
inspiration to the cultural diversity and quality of life in the
communities of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim Sunday, July 2, 2017,
as Water Music NY Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Various communities have partnered with the Albany Symphony
Orchestra, New York State Canal Corporation, Market New York through
Empire State Development/I LOVE NEW YORK and the New York State Council
on the Arts to host this historical musical event commemorating the
Bicentennial Anniversary of the Erie Canal; and

WHEREAS, Traveling by barge up the Erie Canal, the Albany Symphony
Orchestra will perform each night from July 2 to July 8, 2017, in
various cities, highlighting each communities' unique history, emerging
artistic talent and the power of the arts; and

WHEREAS, On Sunday, July 2, 2017, the Albany Symphony Orchestra will
stop at the Corning Preserve/Jennings Landing Amphitheatre, where
hundreds of music lovers will gather to witness this auspicious event;
and

WHEREAS, Water Music NY Day will also call attention to the
revitalization efforts in New York's waterway communities, increase
tourism, and leverage the power of the arts across New York State and
beyond; and

WHEREAS, The Erie Canal is America's most famous man-made waterway,
stretching more than 500 miles across the full expanse of upstate New
York; the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor encompasses New
York's canal system and the communities that grew along its shores; and

WHEREAS, This Corridor spans across upstate New York, including the
Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and the Champlain Canals and their historic
alignments, encompassing 4,834 square miles in 23 counties and is home
to 3.2 million people; and

WHEREAS, Along the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor are
upstate New York's largest population centers, Buffalo, Rochester,
Syracuse and the state capital, Albany; and

WHEREAS, It is most fitting that we take time to celebrate the arts
of our Nation, to honor our artists, and to express our appreciation to
everyone who patronizes the arts; and as we celebrate the arts, we
celebrate and give thanks to our American freedom, the only atmosphere

in which artists can truly create and in which art is truly the
expression of the soul; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim July 2, 2017, as Water
Music NY Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.