LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Germania of Poughkeepsie, Inc. upon
the occasion of hosting the 36th New York State Saengerfest, June 8-10,
2012

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those musical organizations that have brought entertainment and
cultural enrichment to the citizens of the great 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
Germania of Poughkeepsie, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting the 36th New
York State Saengerfest, June 8-10, 2012 at their clubhouse and at the
Arlington Middle School, Poughkeepsie, New York; and
WHEREAS, This most auspicious event will commence with a mass chorus
concert of approximately 200 singers on Friday, June 8, 2012 at the
Arlington Middle School; and
WHEREAS, Celebrating their 162nd Anniversary this year, Germania is
the oldest German Singing Society in New York State; they participated
in their first Saengerfest in New York City in 1871; and
WHEREAS, In 1897, German speaking immigrants established the New York
State Saengerbund with the mission to promote and advance German
Culture, heritage and traditions through music and song to communities
throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, Originally, Germania was made up of strictly men's choruses
and eventually women were asked not only to join in the singing, but to
hold major offices within the organization; and
WHEREAS, During the 1950s and 1960s, the hey-day of the Saengerbund,
it was not unusual to have a mass concert with over 1000 voices onstage
complete with a philharmonic orchestra; and
WHEREAS, Germania of Poughkeepsie, Inc. is a non-profit organization
and consists of regular members, the Germania Men & Ladies Chorus, the
Children Chorus (Kinder Chor), the Germania Almrausch (Bavariian Danc-
ers) and their Children Dancers (Kindergruppe); and
WHEREAS, This illustrious organization also holds German lessons and
ballroom dance lessons; and
WHEREAS, Germania of Poughkeepsie, Inc. celebrates their heritage by
participating yearly at the Galleria promoting its rich heritage to
their fellow neighbors of the Hudson Valley Area; they also hold an
annual Oktoberfest for all Citizens from Dutchess County; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the members of Germania march in area parades,
entertain in area nursing homes and weddings, and participate in differ-
ent church festivals such as German Lenten and Christmas Services; and
WHEREAS, The arts, in whatever form depicted, are central to human
expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution
to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples
cannot be underestimated; and
WHEREAS, The history, the heritage, and the lives of the people of all
countries and all cultures are portrayed in their music and dance; the
art and act of sharing them enriches us altogether; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Germania of Poughkeepsie, Inc. upon the occasion of hosting the
36th New York State Saengerfest, June 8-10, 2012; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Germania of Poughkeepsie, Inc.