LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Dr. Vithalbhai Patel upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of the Community Service Award by the
North Utica Senior Citizens Community Center

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Dr. Vithalbhai
Patel upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Community
Service Award by the North Utica Senior Citizens Community Center, to be
celebrated on Friday, January 30, 2009, in Whitesboro, New York; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Vithalbhai Patel was born in 1936 in Baroda, India; he
completed primary, secondary, and high school education, as well as
medical education in India; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Patel attended medical college in Baroda graduating in
1963, and immigrated to the United States that same year; he became a
naturalized citizen in 1976, and sponsored his three brothers, three
sisters, nieces and nephews, allowing them all to immigrate to America;
and
WHEREAS, Dr. Patel specialized in general psychiatry and spent most of
his career at Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center, Central New York Psychi-
atric Center, and St. Luke's Hospital in Utica; his charitable and
philanthropic career began in 1985; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Patel reprinted and redistributed over 3,000 copies of
published religious song books in the Indian language to families of his
community living in India and the Untied States; in Totarmata village in
Gujarat state, he provided a water purification plant to the villagers,
and had a concrete road built there in 2000; and
WHEREAS, In Suryagettoda village in Gujarat state, Dr. Patel renovated
the school, provided needed furniture, had a library built in his
grandparent's name, provided a water purification plant for the students
and staff of the school, and had toilet facilities built for the
students; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Patel also contributed to the construction of a maternity
hospital on the grounds of his medical college in Baroda; in the United
States, he supports the North Utica Senior Citizens Community Center,
the Stanley Performing Arts Center, and the public library of New Hart-
ford; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Patel is a great motivator, role model, and leads by
example; he and his wife Ruxmaniben have three children and six grand-
children; his generosity and eagerness in enriching the lives of others
is a true example of community service; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Vithalbhai Patel's distinguished record merits the recog-
nition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Dr. Vithalbhai Patel upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Community Service Award by the North Utica Senior Citi-
zens Community Center; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Dr. Vithalbhai Patel.