J 1117: 110th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of the Town of Utica, New York

 Senate Resolution No. 1117 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMEMORATING the 110th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Utica, New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and celebrate significant milestones of organizations that contribute to the well-being of their communities and make a lasting impact on society; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 110th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Utica, New York, a momentous occasion for this exemplary organization; and WHEREAS, The Rotary Club of Utica's mission is to provide business, professional and community-minded individuals an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of people of all ages by serving the local community and by promoting high ethical standards, fellowship, and goodwill worldwide; and WHEREAS, On March 12, 1915, 104 men met at The Hotel Utica and signed the original charter of the Rotary Club of Utica; the hotel would serve the club as its home for the next 57 years; and WHEREAS, At the first meeting of the Rotary Club of Utica, Seymour Hart was selected as the "Temporary Chairman", later titled "President", a position that he held for three years; and WHEREAS, Under President Seymour Hart, the Rotary Club of Utica funded a much-needed dental clinic, which was soon adopted by the City of Utica; and WHEREAS, Members of the Rotary Club of Utica purchased approximately $330,000 worth of Liberty Bonds War Savings Stamps during the first World War; and WHEREAS, In 1919, the Rotary Club of Utica was instrumental in founding the Utica Kiwanis, Zonta Club, Exchange Club, and the Rotary Club of Rome which was the first of 13 local Rotary Clubs sponsored by Utica; in that same year $12,500 was given for the Orthopedic Clinic of Utica, the forerunner of the present Children's Hospital; and WHEREAS, The Rotary Club of Utica has made invaluable contributions to local communities through service projects, fundraising events, and countless volunteer hours, benefiting all members of the community, particularly those in need; and WHEREAS, Past projects include building a pavilion at the Utica Zoo, collecting and shipping fire gear to fire fighters in Chile, helping with hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico, creating 'New York Tough' branded Rotary merchandise to support the Mohawk Valley COVID-19 relief fund, and planting trees throughout Utica's cityscape; and WHEREAS, Hundreds of youth exchange students have been sponsored through the Rotary International Youth Exchange program that the Rotary Club of Utica offers; this wonderful opportunity connects bridges and fosters partnerships from Central New York to the rest of the world; and WHEREAS, Through community outreach, the members of the Rotary Club of Utica have volunteered countless hours for the Hope House, various veterans organizations, and Habitat for Humanity; they have also served Utica City School District as community readers and sponsored Dolly Parton's Imagination library which mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five; and WHEREAS, With a membership of 83 and meeting twice a month at the Mid-York Library in Utica, the Rotary Club of Utica continues to plan service projects, social events, fundraisers, award ceremonies, and a slew of events that promote, support, and celebrate the community; and WHEREAS, For over a century, the Rotary Club of Utica has remained a steadfast pillar of service, leadership, and fellowship in Central New York and continues to embody the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self"; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 110th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Utica, New York, and to commend its members for their remarkable service to the community and the greater good; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Rotary Club of Utica.