NY's First Lady to lead celebrations

New York's First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson has been named Honorary Chair of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Celebration, according to an announcement today by her husband, Gov. David Paterson.

She'll lend her support to several projects, including the “Walkway Over the Hudson” Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge project. The other two main projects of the Quad celebration are the newly refurbished Crown Point Lighthouse on Lake Champlain and New York City's Governor’s Island, the site of one of New York’s first Dutch settlements and a strategic 19th-century coastal fortification. That last project will soon allow visitors to have access to the entire perimeter promenade and will create a picnic area with views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, and the Manhattan skyline.

Here is her reaction, according to the governor's statement,

“This is a momentous occasion in our State’s history,” said First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson. “I am so proud to be able to serve this important role as ambassador for the 400th anniversaries of the exploration of our historic Hudson River and Lake Champlain, celebrating our rich history and our embrace of diversity, tolerance and innovation. Perhaps most importantly, we are utilizing the occasion to focus attention on the most important legacy of all -- environmental and
economic sustainability starting with the next 100 years.”

"New York's First Lady will bring the prestige and gravitas to usher in this plan on the eve of the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial," said Tara Sullivan, executive director of the state Quad commission and a Dutchess County resident.