LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Kiwanis Club of Elmira, New York,
upon the occasion of celebrating its 90th Anniversary on May 10, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those fraternal organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose endeavors have faithfully served the welfare of the
citizens of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Kiwanis Club of Elmira, New York, upon the occasion of celebrating
its 90th Anniversary on Sunday, May 10, 2009; and
WHEREAS, The first Kiwanis Club was chartered on January 12, 1915, in
Detroit, Michigan; since that time Kiwanis International has grown to
become a global organization of volunteers, dedicated to changing the
world one child and one community at a time; and
WHEREAS, Kiwanis International and its members have helped to eradi-
cate disease, build schools, shelter the homeless, feed the hungry and
generate millions of smiles across the world; and
WHEREAS, The objectives of Kiwanis International are to give primacy
to the human and spiritual rather than the material values of life; to
encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relation-
ships; to promote the adoption and the application of higher social,
business and professional standards; and to develop, by precept and
example, a more intelligent, aggressive and serviceable citizenship; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Kiwanis Clubs provide a practical means to form
enduring friendships, to render altruistic service and to build better
communities; it also cooperates in creating and maintaining sound public
opinion and high idealism that make possible the increase of righteous-
ness, justice, patriotism and goodwill; and
WHEREAS, The Elmira Kiwanis Club was chartered on May 10, 1919; at
that time, it represented the 136th Kiwanis Club worldwide and the 12th
club in New York State; from this beginning, the Elmira Kiwanis Club
today has grown to become one of the four largest clubs in New York
State, benefiting from and enjoying the service of 110 members; and
WHEREAS, Among many notable endeavors, the Elmira Kiwanis Club has
proudly sponsored several area Key Clubs, the Builders Club at Ernie
Davis Middle School, the Elmira College Kiwanis Club, the Aktion Club
for adults with disabilities, and others; the Club assists the community
in a variety of ways, such as through the support of the Food Bank of
the Southern Tier, the Arctic League, and the Salvation Army; and
WHEREAS, The Elmira Kiwanis Club has enjoyed a rich and proud history
for nearly a century, with a membership drawn from diverse and impres-
sive professional fields -- distinguished and devoted area citizens from
every walk of life who have shared the common goal of standing tall as a
true asset to the local community; and
WHEREAS, Through the participation of its members, the Elmira Kiwanis
Club has helped to educate many students, recognize athletic and coach-
ing achievement and excellence, and bolster the efforts of so many other
community organizations, thereby securing a position as one of the
premiere service organizations in Elmira; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor and commend
the members of the Elmira Kiwanis Club, past and present, who have
labored so conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of life for
the citizens and families of Elmira, the Southern Tier, and all of New
York State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Kiwanis Club of Elmira, New York, upon the occasion of cele-
brating its 90th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Kiwanis Club of Elmira, New York.