LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Francis J. Bellamy Community
Awards Committee upon the occasion of hosting its Annual Awards Break-
fast on September 8, 2015, and paying tribute to this year's honorees

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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Francis
J. Bellamy Community Awards Committee upon the occasion of hosting its
Annual Awards Breakfast on Tuesday, September 8, 2015, at The Beeches,
Rome, New York, and to pay tribute to this year's honorees; and
WHEREAS, The Francis J. Bellamy Community Awards Breakfast was estab-
lished in 2013 to recognize outstanding Rome citizens who exemplify the
ideals of Francis J. Bellamy, the author of the "Pledge of Allegiance,"
who was a Rome native; and
WHEREAS, Charles Roe, John Mazzaferro and Carl Eilenberg were chosen
for this esteemed recognition for their unparalleled character, generos-
ity, and positive influence on the community and its residents; and
WHEREAS, Born in Rome, New York on April 16, 1945, Charles Roe will be
honored posthumously with the Francis J. Bellamy Community Award; a
graduate of the Rome Free Academy and Utica College, he served in the
United States Army and worked as a Senior Account Executive at Bailey,
Haskell & LaLonde Insurance Agency for 28 years; and
WHEREAS, Affectionately known as Chip, Charles Roe served his communi-
ty as Chairman of the Board of the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce from
2002-2003; he was a member of the Lake Delta Yacht Club, Rome Elks Lodge
and Past President of the Rome Youth Hockey Association; and
WHEREAS, A recipient of the Francis J. Bellamy Community Award, John
Mazzaferro is President of the Rome Common Council; having served in
that capacity for the past 36 years, he is the longest serving Council
President in Rome's history; and
WHEREAS, John Mazzaferro has been active in the business community, as
well as in economic development, youth programs and senior citizen
assistance; he is well known for his volunteer shoveling program in the
winter months for senior and disabled residents, and also conducts the
"Are You Okay" Program in cooperation with the Rome Police Department;
and
WHEREAS, Carl Eilenberg, Mayor of Rome from 1980 until 1992, will be
honored with the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award; in addition to
his illustrious career as a renowned public servant, Carl is known as a
voice of Syracuse athletics, having worked as a broadcaster and the
public address announcer at the Carrier Dome for 27 years; and
WHEREAS, Active within his community, Carl Eilenberg has been a stead-
fast volunteer at WCNY-TV, hosting talk, discussion, and sports, as well
as broadcasting live events, including hockey, Pop Warner football, and
high school and college sports; he has also spent more than three
decades giving tirelessly of his time and energies to the Special Olym-
pics; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of their community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Charles Roe, John Mazzaferro and
Carl Eilenberg have stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance.the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the

recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Francis J. Bellamy Community Awards Committee upon the occa-
sion of hosting its Annual Awards Breakfast on September 8, 2015, and to
pay tribute to this year's honorees; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Francis J. Bellamy Community Awards Committee, John
Mazzaferro, Carl Eilenberg, and to the family of Charles Roe.