Senate Resolution No. 603

BY: Senator O'MARA

COMMENDING the Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour
Falls upon the occasion of celebrating the 100th
Anniversary of Zonta International on March 8, 2019

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those organizations within our midst who have
made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals and organizations it wishes to
recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of
society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the
basic humanity among us all; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Zonta
Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls upon the occasion of celebrating the
100th Anniversary of Zonta International on March 8, 2019; many
activities have been planned to observe this milestone, including: a
tour of the Zonta exhibit, a racecar on display, a Centennial Torch
Lighting, a Tea/Wine Tasting Luncheon, and a Lakewood Vineyards Tasting;
and

WHEREAS, One hundred years ago, a small group of pioneering women
came together in Buffalo, New York, with a vision to help all women
realize greater equality while using their individual and collective
expertise in service to their community; and

WHEREAS, Their vision became Zonta International, an organization
that has grown to more than 29,000 members in 63 countries, working
together to make gender equality a reality for women and girls
worldwide; and

WHEREAS, In October of 1924, the Zonta Club of Elmira invited 10
business women from Watkins Glen and 10 from Montour Falls as guests at
the Jefferson House; from the 20 women, 17 of them went on to organize
the Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls, and Mary Dunham was
elected as the first President; and

WHEREAS, The Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls was chartered
on May 1, 1925; for the first time, a Zonta Club of two adjoining towns
was received into membership; and

WHEREAS, This valuable organization is the local affiliate of the
world-wide organization of Zonta International; the membership is
comprised of vibrant, energetic and civic-minded executives and
professionals who serve the community in a wide spectrum of occupations;
and

WHEREAS, The members of Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls
volunteer their time ringing for the Salvation Army; furthermore, they
hold raffles and auctions, as well as check coats and sell candy to
raise funds for projects such as donating toiletries/supplies to the
Elmira Safe House and hats and mittens to Seneca Santa; purchasing

Christmas gifts for the Falls Home residents; and giving out
scholarships to local graduating women; they also work with Catholic
Charities when needed; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls
is in direct correlation to the efforts of its members, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the
community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls upon the occasion
of celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Zonta International on March 8,
2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Zonta Club of Watkins Glen-Montour Falls.