LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Clifton Springs Hospital Auxiliary
upon the occasion of its 50th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations within the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Clifton Springs Hospital Auxiliary upon the occasion of its 50th
Anniversary celebrated at a reception on Monday, January 26, 2009, where
more than 80 volunteers were honored for routinely giving of their time
and talents to benefit patients of the Hospital and Nursing Home; and
WHEREAS, While Dr. B. A. Watson was superintendent of the Clifton
Springs Hospital, he met with several enthusiastic women from Women's
Auxiliaries in the City of Rochester; seeing the fine, dedicated work
they accomplished for their hospitals, he knew an Auxiliary would be of
great help to the Clifton Springs Hospital; and
WHEREAS, After speaking with Miss Gertrude Bates, Supervisor of Nurs-
ing, at the Clifton Springs Hospital, and others, he invited especially
chosen women from the communities of Clifton Springs, Phelps, Shorts-
ville, Orleans, and Seneca Castle to a conference at the local hospital
on January 15, 1959; and
WHEREAS, Thirty-four women attended the conference and with the Chair-
man of the Regional Hospital Auxiliary and Miss Bates they quickly
approved of forming an Auxiliary; a week and a half later, on January
26th, the group met again and officially formed the Auxiliary; and
WHEREAS, The following officers were elected: President -- Margaret
Griswold (CS); Vice President -- Alice Bailey (Phelps); Recording Secre-
tary -- Tory Brouwer (CS); Corresponding Secretary -- Esther Durkee
(CS); Treasurer -- Rosalie Walters (CS 59 & 60) and also serving as
Treasurer -- Edith Price (CS 60-61); and
WHEREAS, Two of the first projects undertaken by the Auxiliary
included assisting with work in the Occupational Therapy Department and
serving as a hostess group to provide tea daily; both groups attended
classes and lectures as to procedures on working with and understanding
patients; these volunteers were called "The Pink Ladies"; shortly there-
after, they picked and purchased pink smocks to wear when they were on
duty; and
WHEREAS, By 1962, as projects expanded and membership grew, a total of
8,641 volunteer hours had been performed by the auxiliary's members; in
March of 1963, The Candy Stripers, a young girls volunteer assistance
group was formed; in May of 1963, President Jane Kahn was able to award
the first 500 hour pins to six auxiliary members; and
WHEREAS, No one outside those who have worked for this dedicated group
of ladies can know in full all the tasks they have performed and the
contributions they have obtained to benefit the Clifton Springs Hospital
and Clinic; and
WHEREAS, A few of the original members of the Auxiliary are still
performing volunteer service today and a host of new members have been
added to their rolls; their care and compassion are spread throughout
the hospital; in the lobby you will find an information desk staffed by
members of the auxiliary; upstairs in the Lobby Shop, they are behind
the counter serving up everything from soup to a snack of your choice;
and
WHEREAS, Today's remarkable group of volunteers is led by President --
Idelle Bowles; Vice President -- Margaret Mulford; Recording Secretary

-- Donna Maskell; Corresponding Secretary -- Betty Baker; and Treasurer
-- Wilma Adams; and
WHEREAS, The success of the Clifton Springs Hospital Auxiliary
throughout its distinguished history is in direct correlation to the
efforts of its members, whose involvement is, and always has been, char-
acterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an
uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the
Auxiliary and the population it serves; and
WHEREAS, Volunteerism is an essential element of all societies; it
provides a way in which the human values of community, caring and serv-
ing can be sustained and strengthened; and
WHEREAS, Volunteerism promotes family and community solidarity; most
importantly, people who volunteer their time in civic and charitable
endeavors inspire others to the call of volunteerism; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to call attention to
the dedicated efforts of those individuals from across the State of New
York who volunteer their time and energies in service to the community;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Clifton Springs Hospital Auxiliary upon the occasion of its
50th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Clifton Springs Hospital Auxiliary.