LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Bethle-
hem Lions Club

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 Bethlehem Lions Club; and
WHEREAS, The Bethlehem Lions Club is part of Lions Clubs Interna-
tional, one of the largest service organization in the world; and is
deeply committed to meeting the challenges of public service; and
WHEREAS, The goal of the Bethlehem Lions Club and the entire Lions
organization is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet
humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international under-
standing; and
WHEREAS, Lions are recognized worldwide for their service to the blind
and visually-impaired; this service began when Helen Keller challenged
the Lions to become her "knights of the blind in the crusade against
darkness" during the Lions' 1925 International Convention; and
WHEREAS, The Bethlehem Lions Club was originally sponsored by the
Albany Lions Club and was granted a charter by Lions Clubs International
in November 1954; and
WHEREAS, Since 1954, the Bethlehem Lions Club has been assisting indi-
viduals, families, and community organizations in the town of Bethlehem
and the surrounding areas; while the club provides community service in
many forms, the primary mission of the Bethlehem Lions Club is to
provide assistance to individuals with vision and hearing disabilities;
and
WHEREAS, The Bethlehem Lions Club focuses its energies on various
community activities and organizations including ongoing donations and
participation in the Town of Bethlehem Food Bank, the Tri-Village Little
League, the Northeastern Association of the Blind and the Lions Eye
Bank; and
WHEREAS, The Bethlehem Lions Club also co-sponsors the Town of Bethle-
hem File of Life, and has sponsored the annual Senior Citizens Picnic
for over 25 years; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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 Bethlehem Lions Club, and to
commend its members, past and present, who have labored so conscien-
tiously to secure and improve the quality of life in the community; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Bethlehem Lions Club.