LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the East
Elmhurst-Corona Civic Association, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would 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 commem-
orate the 60th Anniversary of the East Elmhurst-Corona Civic Associ-
ation, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, In early 1950, some homeowners decided to form an organiza-
tion to address the needs and concerns of the community; the Earle's
home at 29th Avenue and Curtis Street, (now the manse of the First
Baptist Church), hosted many of those initial organizational meetings; a
constitution was drafted and in 1951, the East Elmhurst Civic Associ-
ation was formally chartered; and
WHEREAS, Earlier, when the constitution was drafted, some of the
members wanted to restrict membership to property owners only; after
much discussion it was decided that any and all residents of East
Elmhurst were eligible for membership; and
WHEREAS, As the community grew, homes were no longer able to accommo-
date membership meetings and a committee was formed to approach the
owners of the Club House on Ditmars Boulevard in order to rent the place
for future meetings; an agreement was reached and the Civic Association
had a meeting place for the third Monday of each month; and
WHEREAS, Some members of the Civic Association formed an independent
corporation and sold shares to its members; the corporation's goal was
to buy the clubhouse and its property, which it did and then sold the
property to speculators; in the mid-1960s, the new officers suggested to
the membership that the Civic Association sponsor a day care center; and
WHEREAS, After many years under the leadership of President Jerome
Hardeman, the building was erected at Gillmore Street and Astoria Boule-
vard; in 1980, President Emalena Davis urged the Executive Board to
expand membership to include the residents of Corona; the recommendation
was unanimously approved; the charter was then amended and the East
Elmhurst-Corona Civic Association was incorporated; and
WHEREAS, The Civic Association now encompasses the areas from 114th
Place to 94th Street and Junction Boulevard, and from Roosevelt Avenue
to Ditmars Boulevard as well as neighbors residing beyond these areas;
the most important achievements of the association include: its success-
ful defeat of City Hall's attempt to upgrade Riker's Island from a city
to a state facility; the Flushing Bay Preservation project that
prevented the airport from taking over the bay and extending the airport
runways with landfill; and the creation of a Scholarship Program that
has donated a significant amount to community youth in order to support
them with acquiring a college education; and
WHEREAS, The East Elmhurst-Corona Civic Association has always
provided a forum for all neighbors to come together to preserve and
defend its quality of life; many of these individuals have contributed
their time and talents to the stability and health of East Elmhurst and
Corona; because of its success, the organization is acknowledging all of
its past presidents, they are: Raynell Parkins, Louis D. Powell, Donald
F. Davis, Charles Evans, Seymour Miller, Robert G. Miller, Herman Last-
er, Leroy E. Carter, William Watson, Gersuila Carter, Jerome Hardeman,

Emalena J. North, Marc Hughes Fisher, James Richards, Arthur Hayes and
Grace V. Lawrence; and
WHEREAS, Ably led by Lynda C. McDougald, the East Elmhurst-Corona
Civic Association will continue to prosper today and into the future;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals 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 60th Anniversary of the East Elmhurst-Corona Civic Asso-
ciation, Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Lynda C. McDougald, East Elmhurst-Corona Civic Association,
Inc.