LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 85th Anniversary of the Oneonta
Lions Club on June 20, 2015

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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 85th Anniversary of the Oneonta Lions Club, to be celebrated
at a dinner on Saturday, June 20, 2015, at Stella Luna Ristorante,
Oneonta, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Oneonta Lions Club is part of Lions Clubs International,
one of the largest service organizations in the world, and is deeply
committed to meeting the challenges of public service; currently, there
are approximately 45,000 clubs across the globe; and
WHEREAS, The goal of the Oneonta 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, Established in 1930, the Oneonta Lions Club consists of dedi-
cated men and women who volunteer their time to perform a variety of
community service activities; and
WHEREAS, The Oneonta Lions Club participates in the Lions Recycle for
Sight, a used eyeglasses recycling program; throughout the years, this
vital organization has collected thousands of eyeglasses for distrib-
ution to people in need in developing nations; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Oneonta Lions Club has assisted hundreds of
area residents to obtain necessary eye care; and
WHEREAS, Today, under the luminous leadership of President Joe Camara-
ta, the Oneonta Lions Club supports numerous local projects including
Camp Badger, K-9 Freedom Guide Dog Training Program, Family Service's
Association's Helping Hand Program, Family Services Emergency Fund,
Family Services Adopt-a-Family at Christmas, Adopt-A-Mile Highway Clean-
up, Pit Run Mile Marker, Huntington Library, and Lions SEE early vision
screening, as well as an Annual Halloween Parade; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, the Oneonta Lions Club sponsors several awards
given to members of the community such as OHS Awards, the Ed Hughes
BOCES Award, and the St. Mary's Award; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the Oneonta Lions Club hosts events in an effort
to raise funds for worthy causes, including the Pit Pasta Dinner, Koeze
Nut Sales, and a Spring Raffle; 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 85th Anniversary of the Oneonta 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 Joe Camarata, President, Oneonta Lions Club.