Senate Resolution No. 2192

BY: Senator O'MARA

COMMEMORATING the 100th Anniversary of the Corning
Rotary Club

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those 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
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Corning Rotary Club; and

WHEREAS, The world's first service club, Rotary International, was
founded on February 23, 1905, when Paul Harris, a native of Vermont,
found himself a stranger in the city of Chicago; he conceived the idea
of inviting three men of different vocations to join him weekly for
fellowship and to discuss each other's problems and business; and

WHEREAS, Today, Rotary International has grown into an organization
including over 1.2 million members in approximately 29,000 clubs across
163 countries; each club is made up of business and professional leaders
who are dedicated to humanitarian service, encourage high ethical
standards in all vocations, and help to build peace and goodwill
throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, Sponsored by the Elmira Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of
Corning, New York, was chartered in 1921; its founding President was
Frederick Carder, an English immigrant and glass artist who became
interested in this organization for its promotion of world peace during
a time when he was grieving the loss of his son in World War I; and

WHEREAS, The Rotary Club of Corning is in Rotary District No. 7120,
which encompasses roughly 90 square miles across 11 counties, just south
of Lake Ontario; and

WHEREAS, Meeting weekly at the Baron Steuben Hotel, the Rotary
Club's initial success was the gradual growth of acquaintance among
Corning businessmen through weekly meetings and community betterment
projects; Carder credited the organization with breaking down the
attitude of secrecy and independence among businessmen that prevailed at
the time, changing it to an attitude of cooperation; and

WHEREAS, Beginning with just 25 men who signed the original charter,
the Corning Rotary Club grew to more than 170 members in 80 years; the
Baron Steuben Hotel and the Corning Hilton/Radisson have been its home
since 1928, and women were admitted in 1989; presently there are 130
members; and

WHEREAS, In keeping with its motto of service above self, the
Corning Rotary Club has steadfastly supported a diverse array of youth
programs, including Sea, Boy and Girl Scouts, a local Youth Center and
Camp STAR, a summer camp for youth with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, this vital organization has sponsored Babe
Ruth Baseball and Cinderella Softball for more than three decades, and
continues to give tirelessly of its time and donations to several
community institutions; and

WHEREAS, The Corning Rotary Club began its international service in
1964, with the hosting and sponsoring of exchange students; furthermore,
its Annual International Evening has provided funds for countless
outreach projects throughout the world, and since 1985, the club has
contributed in excess of $40,000 toward Polio Plus, a Rotary
International initiative to eliminate polio in the world as well as the
largest and most successful private undertaking by a non-governmental
agency ever; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Corning Rotary Club is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its dedicated 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 custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, 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
commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Corning Rotary Club; and be it
further

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