J 920: Commending the Charlton Historical Society upon the occasion of hosting its 55th Annual Charlton Founders Day Weekend and Parade on June 8, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 920 BY: Senator TEDISCO COMMENDING the Charlton Historical Society upon the occasion of hosting its 55th Annual Charlton Founders Day Weekend and Parade on June 8, 2025 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those organizations that embrace the historical significance and contributions of their localities which strengthen the fabric of the communities of New York State; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Charlton Historical Society upon the occasion of hosting its 55th Annual Charlton Founders Day Weekend and Parade on Sunday, June 8, 2025; and WHEREAS, This year marks the 54th Anniversary of the Charlton Founders Day Weekend and Parade; the centerpiece of the weekend is the extraordinary, colorful Parade which serves as the staple of the weekend's various celebrations in addition to enjoying the exciting activities; food vendors offer their specialty treats, tempting the palettes of visitors from the surrounding communities; and WHEREAS, The Charlton Historical Society is a community organization dedicated to promoting, developing, and paying homage to the Town of Charlton, New York, always adding new members and providing a mock tour on their website along with a guide to historic markers and other resources to educate the public about Charlton's rich history; and WHEREAS, In 1792, the year after Saratoga County was founded, the New York State Legislature divided "Balls Town" into four parts, forming three new towns, Galway, Milton, and, in the southwest corner of the county, Charlton, which was previously called "New Freehold" by its settlers who were mostly immigrants from Freehold, New Jersey; and WHEREAS, The reason the name Charlton was chosen, or its origination, is unknown; however, speculation suggests the name was possibly inspired by John Charlton, a squatter already living in the area when early settlers arrived; today, Charlton is a vibrant rural community; and WHEREAS, Within the town lines of Charlton, one can find the hamlets of Blue Corners, Charlton Harmony Corners, Holbrook Corners, Komar Park, Tucker Heights, and West Charlton; and WHEREAS, The Town of Charlton was home to John W. Taylor, who served in the United States House of Representatives for 20 years, from 1813 to 1833, and was elected as Speaker of the House in 1820 and 1825; and WHEREAS, Over the years, the Charlton Founders Day Weekend and Parade has grown tremendously, with attendees enjoying multiple festivities, including a 5K race, a spectacular display of fireworks, a two-day local farmer's market, and an artisan's fair; and WHEREAS, Staying true to tradition, and to honor the Town of Charlton's great hamlets, the theme of this year's Founders Day Weekend is an homage to the Hamlet of Blue Corners, a settled area of nice homes, productive farms and rich history; and WHEREAS, This year, Writer David Waite and Mary Senk Opalka (who is 106 years old) have been selected as the 2025 Charlton Founders Day Parade co-Grand Marshals; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend cultural events which symbolize the historical, social, and cultural development of this great State and embody the spirit of the principles upon which this Nation was founded; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Charlton Historical Society upon the occasion of hosting its 55th Annual Charlton Founders Day Weekend and Parade on June 8, 2025; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Town of Charlton, the Charlton Historical Society, and Grand Marshals, David Waite and Mary Senk Opalka.