LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Masonic
Medical Research Laboratory

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions which would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and
its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory on
Thursday, June 25, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Located in Utica, New York, the Masonic Medical Research
Laboratory (MMRL) is a not-for-profit institute supported by volunteer
contributions and bequests; the Laboratory also obtains funding through
foundation, corporation and federal grants; and
WHEREAS, The MMRL is a state-of-the-art medical research facility
engaged in studies involving major health issues facing society today
such as, ischemic heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, sudden cardiac
arrest and other aspects of cardiovascular disease; it is dedicated to
improving the health and quality of life for all humankind; and
WHEREAS, The Laboratory's primary mission is to conduct high quality
basic medical research aimed at generating knowledge and information
necessary for development of the medical cures and treatments of tomor-
row; the Laboratory is also committed to providing education and train-
ing to basic scientists and clinical researchers who would perpetuate
and extend the fight against disease; and
WHEREAS, The MMRL's scientists have played and continue to play a
pivotal role in defining the mechanisms responsible for abnormal rhythms
of the heart, commonly termed cardiac arrhythmias, thereby contributing
to implementation of the pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrilla-
tor (ICD), catheter ablation therapy and a wide variety of drugs used to
treat heart disease; as the Laboratory has grown in prominence, members
of the scientific staff have received numerous invitations to present
their research findings at international, national and regional symposia
throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, The MMRL is also an educational institution and resource
center with close ties to Upstate Medical University and other medical
schools nationwide; the Laboratory offers four educational programs,
including: Summer Fellowship, Undergraduate, Predoctoral and Postdocto-
ral; its library is open to students as well as to the scientific and
medical community for research and reference; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when insti-
tutions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Masonic Medical Research Labora-
tory; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory.