J 1039: Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club on May 30, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 1039 BY: Senator MARTINS COMMEMORATING the 75th Anniversary of the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club on May 30, 2025 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor those exceptional organizations that have demonstrated a lasting commitment to serving their communities and enhancing the lives of individuals through meaningful programs and dedicated service; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club to be celebrated with a Gala, "Sunset on the Sound," on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Creek Club in Locust Valley, New York; and WHEREAS, The Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club traces its roots to 1947, when it was first incorporated as the Associated Boys Club of Locust Valley, Inc., formed through the dedicated efforts of local citizens seeking to support youth in the community despite the absence of a permanent facility; and WHEREAS, A pivotal moment in the organizations' history came when Mrs. George F. Baker, Jr. and her family generously donated land on Forest Avenue and funded the construction of the original clubhouse, making possible a home for the club's vital programs and services; and WHEREAS, On December 7, 1950, the Grenville Baker Boys Club was officially dedicated in honor and memory of Mrs. Baker's son, Grenville Baker, a Harvard graduate and decorated Air Force Captain who tragically passed away in 1949; and WHEREAS, Following the completion of the clubhouse, the Club experienced steady growth, fueled by the generosity and commitment of the surrounding communities through football sponsorships and fundraising events, and by 1969, more than 600 boys were active members; and WHEREAS, In recognition of the evolving needs of local youth, the Girls Club of Locust Valley was founded, and in 1981, a merger of the two organizations gave rise to the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club, uniting their missions and expanding their impact; and WHEREAS, Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Club continued to expand its programming to meet the changing interests and developmental needs of children and adolescents, evolving from its original focus on football to offering a diverse array of programs across five core areas: Education and Career Development; Sports, Fitness and Recreation; The Arts; Character and Leadership Development; and Health and Life Skills; and WHEREAS, Today, the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club serves over 1,500 young people annually, with more than 150 children and teens attending each day, benefitting from a safe, nurturing environment that fosters personal growth and community engagement; and WHEREAS, The Club continues to thrive thanks to the enduring generosity and enthusiasm of the community, as demonstrated through its cherished traditions and events such as the Annual Clothing Sale, June Dance, and Golf Tournament; and WHEREAS, Despite the many changes over the decades, the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club remains steadfast in its core promise-to provide a safe and supportive space for youth and to positively impact their lives; and WHEREAS, The mission of the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club-to inspire and enable all young people to realize their potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens and community leaders of tomorrow-continues to resonate and guide the Club's efforts; and WHEREAS, The Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club stands as a beacon of hope, opportunity, and inspiration, enriching the lives of generations of young people and serving as a vital cornerstone of the Locust Valley community for 75 years; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club on May 30, 2025, and to applaud its outstanding contributions to the lives of countless young people in the Locust Valley area and beyond; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club.