Senate Resolution No. 2235

BY: Senator LARKIN

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Rotary
Club of Greater Newburgh in Newburgh, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
that are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those
organizations and individuals who 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
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Greater Newburgh
celebrated at an event on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at Washington's
Headquarters in Newburgh; and

WHEREAS, Rotary is an organization of business, professional, and
community leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service,
encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build
good-will and peace in the world; and

WHEREAS, It all started 112 years ago when three businessmen rotated
their meetings from one office to another and adopted the name "Rotary"
and used a wagon wheel as their logo to represent the cog of a
well-oiled machine the organization had become; and

WHEREAS, Twelve years later, many business and professional men of
the greater Newburgh area joined forces to form a Charter; and

WHEREAS, By 1922, Rotary had spread to many parts of the world and
became what we know today as Rotary International; and

WHEREAS, In 1988, women joined the ranks and paved the way for
distaff membership in other service clubs as well; and

WHEREAS, With more than 34,000 clubs in over 200 countries around
the world, Rotary is the premier service organization devoted to helping
others; and

WHEREAS, Rotary club membership now represents a cross-section of
the community's business and professional men and women who hold weekly
meetings that are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures,
races and creeds; and

WHEREAS, With its motto "Service Above Self", Rotarians develop
community service projects which address many of today's most critical
issues, such as children at risk, poverty and hunger, the environment,
illiteracy and violence; and

WHEREAS, The Rotary also supports programs for youth, educational
opportunities and international exchanges for students, teachers, and
other professionals, and vocational and career development; and

WHEREAS, Rotarians worldwide are united in a campaign for the global
eradication of polio, and in the 1980s raised $240 million to immunize
the children of the world; by 2005, Rotary's centenary year and the
target date for the certification of a polio-free world, the Polio Plus
program will have contributed $500 million to this cause; and

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence, certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Greater
Newburgh; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Rotary Club of Greater Newburgh.