LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim June 12-20, 2009, as Bronx Week, in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those events
which foster community pride and enhance the profile of cultural diver-
sity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim June 12-20, 2009, as Bronx
Week, in the State of New York, in observance of the Bronx renaissance;
and
WHEREAS, Many activities have been planned to pay tribute to the
progress and success of Bronx people, businesses, educational and
cultural institutions and civic groups; this year's celebration, spon-
sored primarily by Montefiore Medical Center and Health Plus in conjunc-
tion with Verizon, showcases the centennial celebration of the Grand
Concourse, the borough's most famous street, parts of which have recent-
ly undergone a dramatic refurbishing; and
WHEREAS, Highlights of Bronx Week 2009, which is produced by The Bronx
Tourism Council, include free tours aboard the Bronx trolley; a Big Band
Brunch for seniors; the borough's largest Simon Says contest; The Bronx
Health Link's Health Expo; a salute to Community Education Council
volunteers, gatherings of the business and nonprofit communities, art
exhibits and more; and
WHEREAS, Two events celebrate the vibrant business community in the
Bronx and give business owners timely information on services and oppor-
tunities available to help them survive and thrive in these economic
times: The Business Initiative Corporation's (BIC) Bronx Bankers Break-
fast, when Borough President Ruben-Diaz, Jr. welcomes New York State
Comptroller Tom DiNapoli to the borough; and the Bronx Week Business
Opportunities Expo, hosted jointly by the Bronx Overall Economic Devel-
opment Corporation and SoBRO at the Bronx Museum of the Arts; and
WHEREAS, The Bronx Week celebration builds to fever pitch on the grand
finale weekend, when the borough welcomes home some of its most accom-
plished sons and daughters to be inducted to the Bronx Walk of Fame;
this year's inductees include Grammy Award winner Melissa Manchester;
Actress Judy Reyes from the TV sitcom "Scrubs"; composer Charlie Fox and
Legendary singer Tony Orlando, who will receive the 2009 Honorary Bronx-
ite Award; and
WHEREAS, The borough will toast its Walk of Fame inductees at The
Bronx Ball, the borough's premier black-tie gala taking place at one of
the nation's most recognized venues, Yankee Stadium on Friday, June
19th; on Saturday, June 20th, Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. will
unveil permanent street signs bearing the names of the Bronx Walk of
Fame inductees at a ceremony taking place at the Grand Concourse and 161
Street; and
WHEREAS, Then the party moves to Mosholu Parkway, where the Bronx Week
Parade kicks off with thousands of marchers, bands and floats displaying
their borough pride; immediately following the parade, the Music, Food &
Arts Festival delights the senses with scrumptious food samples from
some of the borough's most popular restaurants; arts and crafts by Bronx
artists; and a live concert reflecting some of the borough's rich ethnic
heritage: Bachata Group Otra Voz; the popular steel drum band, Casym;
Donnie Klang from "Making The Band"; R&B sensations, The Manhattans, and
the legendary Machito Orchestra featuring Afro-Cuban jazz; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when events of
noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, such as
Bronx Week, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim June 12-20, 2009, as
Bronx Week, in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York, and Ruben Diaz, Jr., Bronx Borough President.